Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of β-lactam antibiotics, particularly in the development of carbapenem-class antimicrobial agents. Its structure supports the construction of complex penem frameworks, enabling the enhancement of antibiotic activity against resistant bacterial strains. Commonly employed in pharmaceutical research for modifying side chains to improve drug stability, bioavailability, and binding affinity to penicillin-binding proteins. Also utilized in prodrug strategies where the nitrobenzyl group acts as a photolabile or metabolically cleavable protecting group, allowing controlled release of the active compound.