Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of active ingredients where stereochemistry plays a critical role. Its hydroxyl and ester functional groups allow for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in creating intermediates for drugs in the cardiovascular and central nervous system therapeutic areas. Commonly employed in asymmetric synthesis to introduce chirality, which can enhance the efficacy and reduce side effects of medicinal compounds. Also utilized in the preparation of prodrugs and biodegradable polymers due to its biocompatible degradation profile.