Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of antiviral and antitumor agents, particularly in the preparation of nucleoside analogs. Its stereochemistry allows for selective glycosylation reactions, making it valuable in pharmaceutical research for developing biologically active compounds. Commonly employed in the construction of modified sugar moieties found in prodrugs and therapeutic agents targeting viral replication, including HIV and hepatitis viruses. Also utilized in organic synthesis for chiral building blocks due to its stable ring structure and functional group compatibility.