Used as a chiral building block in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of complex molecules requiring stereochemical control. Its epoxide functionality allows for ring-opening reactions with nucleophiles, enabling the formation of carbon–oxygen and carbon–carbon bonds. Commonly employed in pharmaceutical synthesis for constructing side chains or cyclic structures, especially in beta-blockers and other bioactive compounds. The benzyl-protected hydroxyethyl group can be deprotected under mild conditions, making it suitable for multi-step syntheses. Also utilized in polymer chemistry to introduce branching or functional groups into polymer chains.