Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of bioactive molecules and enzyme inhibitors. Its stereochemistry makes it valuable for creating enantioselective drugs, where specific 3D orientation is critical for activity. Commonly employed in the preparation of antiviral and antibacterial agents due to its ability to mimic natural amino alcohol structures in metabolic pathways. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis and as a ligand precursor in catalytic reactions.