Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of beta-blockers and other cardiovascular drugs. Its epoxide ring allows for selective ring-opening reactions, enabling the introduction of functional groups in a stereocontrolled manner. Commonly employed in asymmetric synthesis to introduce the (S)-configured side chain in active pharmaceutical ingredients. Also utilized in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors and receptor antagonists due to its ability to mimic structural motifs in bioactive molecules.