Used primarily in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, this compound plays a key role in the development of chiral drugs due to its stereochemistry. It is often employed as an intermediate in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that require precise enantiomeric forms for efficacy. Additionally, it finds application in organic synthesis, particularly in the construction of complex molecular structures where its pyran ring and methanol group are utilized for further chemical modifications. Its properties make it valuable in research and development for creating compounds with potential therapeutic effects.