Used as a chiral building block in organic synthesis, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Its rigid cyclopentane backbone and two carboxylic acid groups allow for selective functionalization, making it valuable in creating enantiomerically pure compounds. Commonly employed in the synthesis of ligands for asymmetric catalysis and in the preparation of biologically active molecules where stereochemistry plays a critical role. Also finds use in polymer chemistry as a monomer for specialty polyesters and polyamides with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties.