Used in the pharmaceutical industry as a key intermediate in the synthesis of vitamin D analogs. It serves as a precursor in the production of compounds with hormonal and regulatory functions, particularly those involved in calcium metabolism and bone health. Its structural features allow for selective modifications to create therapeutically active forms of vitamin D used in treating conditions like osteoporosis, psoriasis, and renal osteodystrophy. Also employed in research settings to study vitamin D receptor activation and related signaling pathways.