Used as a key chiral intermediate in the synthesis of complex natural products and pharmaceuticals, particularly in the preparation of antiviral and antitumor agents. Its silyl-protected hydroxyl groups allow for selective reactivity and stability during multi-step organic transformations. Commonly employed in nucleoside analog synthesis, where the chloro and lactone functionalities enable further ring modifications and coupling reactions. The stereochemistry supports high enantioselectivity in downstream processes, making it valuable in asymmetric synthesis.