Used in biodegradable polymer production, particularly in synthesizing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which serve as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. It acts as a chiral building block in pharmaceutical synthesis, enabling the production of enantiomerically pure drugs. Also employed in controlled-release formulations due to its biocompatibility and slow degradation profile. Finds use in agricultural applications as a component in biodegradable films for mulching and drug delivery in livestock. Additionally, it serves as a precursor in the formulation of calcium-supplemented biodegradable materials for medical devices and tissue engineering scaffolds.