Used as a key chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antiviral and antidiabetic agents. Its rigid tetrahydropyran scaffold with defined stereochemistry enhances binding selectivity and metabolic stability in drug molecules. Commonly employed in structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to optimize potency and pharmacokinetic properties. Also utilized in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors where the cis-configuration supports optimal interaction with active sites.