Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, particularly in pharmaceutical research. Its functional groups—bromomethyl and hydroxyl—allow for selective modifications, making it valuable in constructing complex azetidine-containing molecules. The compound is often employed in the development of protease inhibitors and other drug candidates where the azetidine ring serves as a structural motif to enhance metabolic stability and binding affinity. Its tert-butyl carbamate (Boc) protection enables compatibility with multi-step synthetic routes, especially in peptide-like frameworks.