Used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly as a chiral building block for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) requiring high enantiomeric purity. Its hydroxy and carboxylic acid functional groups allow for incorporation into complex molecules through esterification or amidation. Commonly employed in the development of antibiotics and antiviral agents due to its ability to mimic natural metabolites. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis to induce desired stereochemistry in target compounds.