Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, particularly in pharmaceutical research. Its constrained cyclobutane ring structure helps modulate the conformation of peptide-like molecules, making it valuable in the development of enzyme inhibitors and receptor ligands. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for designing analogs of natural amino acids to enhance metabolic stability and selectivity. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis and catalysis due to its rigid backbone and functional group compatibility.