Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of biologically active molecules containing azetidine rings. Its aldehyde functional group allows for further derivatization, such as reductive amination or Wittig reactions, enabling the construction of complex structures in medicinal chemistry. The tert-butyl carbamate group serves as a protecting group for the nitrogen, facilitating selective reactions. Commonly employed in the preparation of protease inhibitors and other therapeutic agents where the azetidine moiety enhances metabolic stability and binding affinity. Also utilized in fragment-based drug discovery due to its favorable physicochemical properties and three-dimensional structure.