Used as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of cyclobutane-based compounds for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its masked ketone functionality, protected as a dimethyl ketal, allows selective deprotection under mild acidic conditions to generate reactive ketone intermediates. This makes it valuable in multi-step syntheses where functional group compatibility is crucial. It is also employed in the development of bioactive molecules, including drug candidates requiring strained ring systems for conformational restriction.