Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of vitamin D analogs, particularly in the preparation of calcitriol and related compounds for pharmaceutical applications. Its stereochemistry and functional groups allow selective transformations necessary for constructing the side chain of active vitamin D metabolites. Commonly employed in research and development of treatments for osteoporosis, psoriasis, and chronic kidney disease-related mineral disorders. The protected hydroxyl groups enable stepwise deprotection and coupling in multi-step organic syntheses, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating biologically active molecules with high specificity.