Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of beta-blockers and other cardiovascular drugs. Its stereochemistry allows for selective reactions in asymmetric synthesis, making it valuable in creating enantiomerically pure compounds. The chlorohydrin structure, featuring chloride and alcohol groups, enables versatile reactions such as nucleophilic substitutions and C-C bond formations. Commonly employed in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where the (S)-enantiomer exhibits desired biological activity. Also utilized in the preparation of agrochemicals and fine chemicals requiring high optical purity.