Used in combination with sodium borohydride for the asymmetric reduction of 1-(2,2-dimethyl-4H-1,3-benzodioxin-6-yl)-2-[(1S)-2-hydroxy-1-phenylethylamino]ethanone to form (1R)-1-(2,2-dimethyl-4H-1,3-benzodioxin-6-yl)-2-[(1S)-2-hydroxy-1-phenylethylamino]ethanol. Used as a calcium supplement for the DMEM (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium) for use in cell culture studies. It has also been used to prepare the synthetic brine solution. It may be used in the preparation of calcium-alginate beads.