Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of bioactive molecules targeting central nervous system disorders. Its structure allows for selective modification in drug design, making it valuable in creating analogs for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for building constrained cyclobutane-containing scaffolds that enhance metabolic stability and receptor selectivity. Also utilized in the preparation of protease inhibitors and receptor modulators due to the steric bulk and stability provided by the tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) protecting group.