Used as a key intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and antiviral drugs. Its strained oxetane ring enhances metabolic stability and improves pharmacokinetic properties in drug candidates. Commonly employed to introduce the oxetane moiety into complex molecules, enhancing their binding affinity and solubility. Also utilized in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its ability to act as a bioisostere for carbonyl or other functional groups.