Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of fragrances and flavor compounds due to its stable cyclic structure and hydroxyl group that allows for further chemical modifications. Its derivatives contribute to the creation of musk-like scents in perfumery. Also employed in the development of pharmaceuticals where the tetrahydropyran ring acts as a bioisostere for sugar moieties, enhancing metabolic stability in drug candidates. The compound's stereochemistry and functional group positioning make it valuable in asymmetric synthesis and chiral building block production.