Used as a chiral building block in organic synthesis, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds. Its rigid heterocyclic structure with two functional carboxylic acid groups allows for selective derivatization, making it valuable in designing enzyme inhibitors and peptidomimetics. It also serves as a precursor in the synthesis of thiazolidine-based drugs, which show potential in antimicrobial and antidiabetic research. Additionally, its ability to coordinate metal ions is explored in catalysis and medicinal chemistry.