Used as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and biologically active compounds. Its dicarboxylic acid structure allows for functionalization into esters, amides, and other derivatives useful in drug development. It also serves in the synthesis of heterocyclic systems and can act as a building block in the production of polymers and specialty chemicals. Due to its ring structure and functional groups, it is valuable in research settings for studying ring-opening reactions and stereochemistry.