Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of herbicides, particularly aryloxyphenoxypropionate class, which are effective against grass weeds in broadleaf crops. Its optical purity is critical for herbicidal activity, as the (R)-enantiomer shows higher efficacy. Also employed in the development of biodegradable agrochemicals due to its ability to degrade more rapidly in the environment compared to racemic mixtures. Additionally, it serves as an intermediate in the production of certain pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals where stereochemistry plays a key role in biological activity.