It is used in the synthesis of Howiinol A and its analogs. Howiinol A was one of the active antitumor constituents from the root and stem bark of Goniothamus howii (Annonaceae), and it was synthesized in 9 steps from α-D-glucoheptonic γ-lactone. Twenty-six analogs were also synthesized in searching for new antitumor compounds with high potency.