Used as a chiral building block in asymmetric synthesis, particularly in the preparation of enantiomerically pure pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Serves as a resolving agent for racemic mixtures due to its optical activity. Employed as a ligand or auxiliary in catalytic reactions, such as enantioselective alkylation or Diels-Alder reactions, where it helps control stereochemistry. Also utilized in the synthesis of natural products and biologically active compounds requiring specific stereoconfiguration. Its ester groups allow for easy modification and incorporation into larger molecular frameworks.