Used as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of phosphorylated compounds for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It serves in the construction of alpha-hydroxy phosphonates, which are important in the development of enzyme inhibitors and bioactive molecules. Its reactivity allows for the introduction of phosphonyl groups in carbon-chain extensions, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for designing analogs of natural phosphates and carboxylates. Also applied in the synthesis of novel ligands for catalysis and in materials science for modifying surface reactivity.