Used as a key chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of statins such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin, which are widely prescribed for lowering cholesterol. Its stereochemistry allows for high selectivity in enzymatic or chemical transformations, making it valuable in asymmetric synthesis. Commonly employed in biocatalytic processes where its hydroxyl and carboxylic acid groups participate in esterification or coupling reactions to build complex drug molecules. Also utilized in the development of fluorinated analogs in medicinal chemistry due to the metabolic stability imparted by the trifluoromethyl group.