Used as a chiral auxiliary and building block in asymmetric synthesis, particularly in pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Its hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups allow for diverse transformations, such as oxidation, reduction, and condensation reactions. Commonly employed in the preparation of optically active compounds, including intermediates for drugs and natural products. Also serves as a catalyst precursor in certain organocatalytic reactions. Its rigid structure and stereochemistry make it valuable for inducing chirality in carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions.