Used as a chiral building block in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of enantiomerically pure pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Its epoxide functionality allows for ring-opening reactions with nucleophiles, enabling the introduction of functionalized side chains in drug intermediates. Commonly employed in the synthesis of β-blockers and other bioactive molecules where stereochemistry is critical. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis routes due to its stable chiral center, facilitating the development of single-enantiomer compounds in medicinal chemistry.