Used as a building block in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its cyclic structure and functional groups make it valuable for designing molecules with specific stereochemistry. Commonly employed in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where a rigid aliphatic backbone is needed. Also utilized in the synthesis of polymers and specialty esters due to its ability to form stable derivatives. Its hydroxyl and carboxylic acid groups allow for easy modification through esterification, amidation, and ether formation, enabling use in prodrug design and linker technologies.