This compound is primarily utilized in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the development of β-lactam antibiotics. Its structure serves as a key intermediate in the production of penicillin and cephalosporin derivatives, which are widely used to treat bacterial infections. The compound’s stereochemistry (3R,4S) is crucial for ensuring the biological activity of the resulting antibiotics. Additionally, it is employed in organic synthesis to create complex molecules with potential therapeutic applications, leveraging its reactive β-lactam ring for further chemical modifications.