Used in the production of biodegradable plastics, particularly polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which are environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. It serves as a monomer in the synthesis of these polymers, offering applications in packaging, medical devices, and agricultural films. Additionally, it is utilized in the pharmaceutical industry as a chiral building block for the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), especially in drugs targeting metabolic disorders. In the food industry, it acts as a precursor for flavoring agents and additives, enhancing the taste and stability of various products. Its role in biotechnology includes being a substrate for microbial fermentation processes, contributing to the production of biofuels and biochemicals.