Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Its hydroxyl and ester functional groups allow for selective modifications, making it valuable in asymmetric synthesis. Commonly employed in the preparation of beta-hydroxy ester intermediates, which are key structures in the production of antibiotics, antifungals, and other bioactive molecules. Also utilized in the development of enantiomerically pure drugs due to its stereochemical purity.