Used as a key reagent in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of chiral sulfoxides and cyclic sulfate intermediates. Its strained ring structure enables ring-opening reactions with nucleophiles, making it valuable for carbon-chain elongation and the formation of functionalized alcohols and diols. Commonly employed in asymmetric synthesis due to its ability to induce stereoselectivity when reacting with chiral nucleophiles or catalysts. Also serves as a precursor in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and bioactive molecules where controlled functional group transformation is required.