Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, this compound serves in the preparation of more complex molecules for pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Its alkene functionality allows for reactions such as hydrogenation, epoxidation, and hydroformylation, making it valuable in building carbon chains with specific stereochemistry. It is also employed in research settings to study reaction mechanisms involving alkenes, particularly those favoring trans (E) configurations. Additionally, it can act as a model substrate in catalysis studies, helping evaluate the efficiency and selectivity of metal catalysts in transformations like cross-coupling or asymmetric synthesis.