Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of nitroimidazole derivatives with antimicrobial and antiparasitic activity. Its structure allows for further functionalization, making it valuable in creating bioactive molecules. Commonly employed in research settings to develop new therapeutic agents targeting anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoal infections. Also utilized in the preparation of chiral building blocks for drug synthesis due to its stereocenter, enabling the production of enantiomerically pure compounds.