Used as a chiral building block in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of enantiomerically pure pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds. Its epoxide ring allows for regioselective ring-opening reactions with nucleophiles, enabling the introduction of functionalized side chains in drug molecules. Commonly employed in the synthesis of β-amino alcohols and as an intermediate in the production of protease inhibitors and other therapeutic agents. Also utilized in the development of chiral ligands and catalysts for asymmetric synthesis.