Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, this compound serves in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Its tosylate group acts as a good leaving group, facilitating substitution reactions to introduce the 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl moiety into target molecules. It is particularly useful in the synthesis of complex alcohols, esters, and other functionalized derivatives. The presence of the hydroxyl group allows for further derivatization, such as oxidation or protection/deprotection strategies, making it valuable in multi-step synthetic routes. Commonly employed in research settings for building carbon frameworks in bioactive molecule development.