Used in pharmaceutical research as an intermediate in the synthesis of beta-lactam antibiotics, particularly in the development of carbapenem-class antimicrobial agents. Its structure supports the formation of complex ring systems essential for antibiotic activity. Also utilized in prodrug design to enhance drug delivery and bioavailability by modifying solubility and membrane permeability. Plays a role in enzyme inhibition studies due to its ability to mimic peptide substrates in metabolic pathways.