Used as an intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis, particularly in the development of biologically active compounds. Its structure allows for selective functionalization, making it valuable in constructing complex molecules. Commonly employed in the preparation of azetidine-containing drugs, where the tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) protecting group ensures controlled reactivity. The methanesulfonate group acts as a good leaving group, enabling nucleophilic substitution reactions to introduce various substituents. Widely utilized in medicinal chemistry for building blocks in drug discovery programs, especially in the synthesis of enzyme inhibitors and receptor modulators.