Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of complex organic molecules, particularly in pharmaceuticals and natural products. Its epoxide functionality allows for selective ring-opening reactions, enabling the introduction of diverse functional groups. The protected hydroxyl groups (benzyloxy) provide stability during reactions and can be deprotected later to reveal phenolic OH groups, making it valuable in multi-step syntheses where controlled reactivity is required. Commonly employed in the development of bioactive compounds and functionalized polymers.