This chemical is primarily used in the synthesis of chiral compounds, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, where it serves as a key intermediate for producing drugs with specific stereochemistry. Its chiral nature makes it valuable in the development of enantiomerically pure substances, which are crucial for the efficacy and safety of many medications. Additionally, it is employed in organic synthesis for constructing complex molecules, especially in the preparation of fine chemicals and bioactive compounds. Its functional groups, including the chloro and hydroxy moieties, allow for versatile chemical transformations, making it a useful building block in various research and industrial applications.