Used as an intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis, particularly in the development of bioactive molecules and drug candidates. Its strained cyclobutane ring and fluorinated substituents enhance metabolic stability and influence lipophilicity, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for optimizing pharmacokinetic properties. The benzyl ester group facilitates protection of the carboxylic acid during synthetic transformations and can be selectively removed under mild conditions. Commonly employed in the preparation of protease inhibitors, receptor agonists, and other targeted therapies where fluorination improves binding affinity and resistance to oxidative degradation.