Used primarily as a monomer in copolymerization reactions, especially in the production of specialty polymers with unique thermal and mechanical properties. Its strained norbornene structure enhances reactivity in ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), making it valuable in creating advanced materials such as high-performance resins, optical films, and photoresists. Also employed in chemical synthesis as a protected diol precursor, where the acetate group can be selectively removed or modified. Its mixture of endo and exo isomers allows for tuning polymer microstructure and material properties. Common in research and development for functional coatings and electronic materials.