Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals. Its asymmetric structure makes it valuable for creating enantiomerically pure intermediates in drug manufacturing. Commonly employed in the preparation of antiviral agents and antibiotics due to its ability to direct stereoselective transformations. Also utilized in the synthesis of natural products where control of stereochemistry is critical. Its aldehyde functionality allows for further chemical modifications such as reductions, oxidations, and carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions.