Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its reactive chloromethyl group allows for easy substitution, making it valuable for constructing complex molecules. Commonly employed in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients where a tetrahydrofuran ring is needed as a structural motif. Also utilized in the synthesis of chiral compounds due to the potential for enantioselective transformations. Serves as a building block in medicinal chemistry for creating libraries of compounds during drug discovery.