Used as a chiral building block in organic synthesis, particularly in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Its enantiomeric purity makes it valuable for producing stereoselective compounds. Commonly employed as an intermediate in the preparation of biodegradable polymers and green solvents. Also utilized in the fragrance and flavor industry due to its ester-like, mild odor. Serves as a derivatizing agent for chromatographic analysis of chiral acids and alcohols.