Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the preparation of antiviral and antitumor agents. Its cyclic ether structure with hydroxyl and methoxy functional groups allows for selective modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building complex molecules. It is also employed in the development of chiral auxiliaries and asymmetric synthesis, where stereochemical control is critical. Additionally, it serves as a protecting group strategy for diols in multi-step organic syntheses due to its stability under various reaction conditions.