Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antidiabetic agents. It serves as an intermediate in the preparation of thiazolidinedione derivatives, which act as insulin sensitizers in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Its stereochemistry allows for selective interactions with biological targets, enhancing drug efficacy and reducing side effects. Also employed in asymmetric synthesis and medicinal chemistry research for designing enantiomerically pure compounds.