Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of fluorinated analogs of biologically active compounds. The presence of both amino and carboxylic acid functional groups, along with the trifluoromethyl moiety, makes it valuable in medicinal chemistry for enhancing metabolic stability, lipophilicity, and binding affinity. It is employed in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors and receptor modulators, especially in research targeting central nervous system disorders and metabolic diseases. Its rigid cyclobutane backbone contributes to conformational constraint, aiding in the optimization of drug candidates.