Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of antiviral and antibacterial agents. Its structure allows for selective transformations in organic synthesis, making it valuable in building complex molecules. Commonly employed in the development of prodrugs due to the presence of both ester and hydroxyl functional groups, which can be tailored for improved bioavailability. Also utilized in the preparation of chiral building blocks for asymmetric synthesis in medicinal chemistry.