Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of biologically active compounds where stereochemistry plays a critical role. Its structure allows incorporation into molecules requiring a five-membered cyclic ether with a carboxylic acid functional group in a defined spatial orientation. Commonly applied in medicinal chemistry for the preparation of enzyme inhibitors, receptor agonists, or antagonists. Also serves as an intermediate in asymmetric synthesis and can be found in routes to neuroactive drugs and antiviral agents.