Used as a key chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of statins such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin, which are widely prescribed for lowering cholesterol. Its stereochemistry allows for selective reactions that enhance the efficiency and purity of the final drug product. The protected aldehyde and ester functionalities enable stepwise transformations, making it valuable in multi-step organic syntheses where control over reactivity and stereochemistry is critical.