Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of biologically active compounds where stereochemistry plays a critical role. Its strained azetidine ring enhances metabolic stability and improves pharmacokinetic properties in drug candidates. Commonly employed in the preparation of protease inhibitors and receptor modulators, especially in central nervous system and antiviral therapies. The methoxymethyl group facilitates solubility and serves as a protecting group during multi-step syntheses.