Used as a chiral building block in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Its stereochemistry makes it valuable for asymmetric synthesis, where control of three-dimensional structure is critical. Commonly employed in the development of biologically active molecules, including drugs and agrochemicals, due to its ability to influence the selectivity and efficacy of the final product. Also serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of complex natural products and as a solvent or ligand in catalytic reactions.