Used as a key chiral intermediate in the synthesis of complex organic molecules, particularly in pharmaceuticals and natural products. Its silyl-protected aldehyde group allows selective reactivity, making it valuable in multi-step asymmetric syntheses. Commonly employed in aldol reactions and carbon-chain elongation strategies where stereochemical control is critical. The tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBS) group provides stability under various reaction conditions and can be removed selectively when needed, enabling precise functional group manipulation in advanced synthetic routes.