(S)-4-Oxoazetidine-2-carboxylic acid is primarily utilized in the field of organic synthesis and pharmaceutical research. It serves as a key intermediate in the production of various β-lactam antibiotics, which are crucial for treating bacterial infections. The compound's unique structure allows it to act as a building block for the development of novel antibiotics, particularly those targeting resistant strains of bacteria. Additionally, it is employed in the synthesis of peptidomimetics, which are molecules that mimic peptides and are used in drug discovery to create more stable and effective therapeutic agents. Its role in the preparation of chiral compounds also makes it valuable in asymmetric synthesis, aiding in the creation of enantiomerically pure substances for medicinal chemistry.