Used as a chiral building block in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and bioactive molecules. Its rigid cyclohexane backbone with two functionalized carboxylic acid groups allows for selective transformations, making it valuable in asymmetric synthesis. Commonly employed in the development of enzyme inhibitors and cyclic analogs of natural products. Also utilized in the synthesis of prostaglandins and other medicinally relevant compounds where stereochemistry plays a critical role in biological activity.