Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in antiviral and antibacterial agents. Its hydroxyl and amino groups allow for easy modification, making it valuable in creating biologically active molecules. Commonly employed in the preparation of protease inhibitors and nucleoside analogs. Also utilized in the development of enantioselective catalysts and functionalized polymers. Its structural similarity to glycerol enables integration into lipid-like compounds for drug delivery systems.