This compound is primarily utilized in organic synthesis as a versatile building block for the preparation of more complex molecules. It is particularly valuable in the pharmaceutical industry for the development of drug candidates, where the azetidine ring structure is of interest due to its conformational rigidity and potential biological activity. The tert-butyl group provides steric protection, while the cyano group can be further modified or participate in various chemical reactions, making it a useful intermediate in medicinal chemistry and peptide synthesis. Additionally, it may be employed in the synthesis of agrochemicals and other fine chemicals, where the azetidine scaffold is a key structural component.