Used as a building block in organic synthesis, particularly in pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Its rigid cyclic structure and cis-configured dicarboxylic acid groups make it valuable for designing enzyme inhibitors and bioactive molecules with specific cyclic architectures. Also employed in the preparation of biodegradable polymers, such as polyamides and polyesters, by reacting with diamines or diols, yielding materials with enhanced properties like high strength, flexibility, and biocompatibility for medical applications including catheters and implants. Additionally, serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of compounds requiring precise stereochemical control.