Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of complex pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and antiviral agents. Its functionalized tetrahydro-pyran core with multiple benzyl-protected hydroxyl groups allows for selective modifications, making it valuable in constructing stereochemically defined molecules. The presence of the chloro- and ethoxy-substituted aryl group enhances binding affinity in biological targets, supporting its role in drug discovery for metabolic and infectious diseases.