Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of peptidomimetics and enzyme inhibitors. Its structure allows for selective modification in multi-step organic reactions, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building complex molecules with chiral centers. Commonly employed in the preparation of bioactive agents where a constrained cyclobutyl moiety is needed to enhance metabolic stability or binding affinity. Also utilized in solid-phase peptide synthesis when protected amino acid building blocks are required.