Used as a chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of β-blockers and other bioactive molecules. Its stereochemistry allows for selective reactions in asymmetric synthesis, making it valuable in producing enantiomerically pure drugs. The hydroxy and carboxylic acid functional groups enable further chemical modifications, such as esterification or amidation, facilitating integration into larger molecular structures. Commonly employed in research settings for exploring new synthetic routes and optimizing drug candidates.