Widely used in the pharmaceutical industry as a key intermediate in the synthesis of statin-class drugs, particularly for cholesterol-lowering medications. It plays a critical role in constructing the core structure of certain HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, which are essential for managing hyperlipidemia and reducing cardiovascular risk. Due to its chiral centers and specific stereochemistry, it enables high selectivity and potency in the final drug product. Its derivatives contribute to improved metabolic stability and bioavailability in therapeutic agents. Commonly involved in multi-step syntheses where functional groups like the hydroxyl and fluorophenyl moieties are further modified to achieve the active pharmaceutical ingredient.