This compound is primarily utilized in organic synthesis as a versatile intermediate. Its structure, featuring a tosyloxy group and a tert-butyl ester, makes it valuable for constructing cyclobutane rings, which are key motifs in various pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The tosyloxy group acts as a good leaving group, enabling nucleophilic substitution reactions, while the tert-butyl ester provides stability and can be easily deprotected to yield carboxylic acids. This chemical is often employed in the development of complex molecules, particularly in medicinal chemistry, where cyclobutane derivatives are explored for their potential biological activity. Its application extends to the synthesis of constrained peptides and small molecules designed for drug discovery.