Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the development of pharmaceutical compounds. It serves as a building block for beta-lactam antibiotics and other bioactive molecules due to the presence of both amide and carboxylic acid functional groups, along with an alkene moiety that allows for further chemical modifications. Its structure supports conjugation reactions and is valuable in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors and antimicrobial agents. Commonly employed in research settings for designing peptidomimetics and studying reaction mechanisms involving unsaturated fatty acid derivatives.