Used as a chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Its optical activity makes it valuable in asymmetric synthesis, where it helps introduce stereochemical control in the production of enantiomerically pure compounds. Commonly employed in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), especially in routes requiring secondary alcohol functionalities with defined chirality. Also finds use as a building block in agrochemicals and specialty solvents due to its moderate polarity and biodegradability.