This chemical is primarily utilized in organic synthesis as a versatile intermediate for the preparation of more complex molecules. Its structure, featuring both a cyclobutyl ring with a ketone group and an ester group, makes it valuable in the development of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the synthesis of compounds with potential therapeutic properties. The tert-butyl group provides steric protection, allowing selective reactions at other sites of the molecule. Additionally, it finds application in the research and development of fine chemicals, where its unique reactivity can be harnessed to construct cyclobutane-containing frameworks, which are of interest in medicinal chemistry due to their conformational rigidity and potential biological activity.