Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of β-blockers and other bioactive molecules. Its epoxide ring allows for regioselective and stereoselective ring-opening reactions, enabling the introduction of functional groups with high enantiomeric purity. Commonly employed in asymmetric synthesis to construct complex organic molecules where stereochemistry is critical for biological activity. Also utilized in the development of enzyme inhibitors and as an intermediate in the preparation of natural product analogs.