Used as a key chiral intermediate in the synthesis of antiviral and antitumor agents, particularly in nucleoside analogs such as those used in HIV and hepatitis treatments. Its protected diol structure allows selective functionalization, making it valuable in stereoselective synthesis. Commonly employed in the preparation of modified sugars for oligonucleotide therapeutics, including antisense and siRNA drugs. Also utilized in the development of prodrugs due to its stability and ease of deprotection under mild conditions.