This compound is a key intermediate in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily used in the synthesis of β-lactam antibiotics such as carbapenems and penems. Its 1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-ene bicyclic β-lactam core structure, with specific substituents including a 2-formimidamidoethylthio group at C-3 and a 1-hydroxyethyl group at C-6, serves as the essential scaffold for these antibiotics. Derivatives inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis, providing broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including resistant strains, and stability against β-lactamases. It is employed in research, development, and manufacturing to create novel antibiotics with enhanced efficacy and reduced resistance.