Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals. Its structure contains both a protected azetidine ring and a nitromethyl group, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building complex molecules. The hydroxyl and nitro functionalities allow for further chemical transformations, such as reductions or substitutions, enabling the creation of diverse derivatives for drug discovery. Commonly employed in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors and receptor modulators due to the azetidine scaffold’s increasing relevance in improving pharmacokinetic properties.