Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of beta-amino acids and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) analogs. It serves as a chiral building block in asymmetric synthesis, enabling the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with specific stereochemistry. Its cyclic ester structure allows for selective ring-opening and functionalization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating complex molecules. Also employed in the preparation of prodrugs and biodegradable polymers due to its hydrolyzable ester group and reactive ketone functionality.