Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of macrolide antibiotics, particularly in the production of clarithromycin and other erythromycin derivatives. Its functional groups—amino, acetoxy, and methoxy—allow selective reactions in multi-step pharmaceutical syntheses. The compound enables efficient introduction of side chains in antibiotic molecules, enhancing biological activity and stability. It is also utilized in research for developing novel antimicrobial agents due to its reactive scaffold.