Used as a chiral building block in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Serves as a reference standard in chromatographic and spectroscopic analyses due to its well-defined stereochemistry. Employed in microbiological media for the cultivation and differentiation of certain microorganisms, especially in identifying fungal species based on their ability to metabolize arabitol. Also investigated for its potential role in the development of sugar-based surfactants and biodegradable polymers.