Used as a chiral building block in organic synthesis, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry for the preparation of enantiomerically pure compounds. Its stereochemistry makes it valuable in asymmetric synthesis, where it serves as a precursor or intermediate in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Also applied in the synthesis of specialty polymers and fine chemicals requiring specific optical activity. Its hydroxyl groups allow for functionalization in polymerization reactions or as a linker in complex molecule assembly.