trans-1,2-Cyclohexanedicarboxylic Acid is used as a reagent in the synthesis of enantiopure (α-cyanoalkyl)(tetrahydropyrido[4,3-b]indolecarbonyl)cyclohexanecarboxamides and its analogs as selective cathepsin K inhibitors for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Also used as a reagent in the synthesis of novel cyclopentanedicarboxamide sodium channel blockers as a potential treatment for chronic pain.