Used as a chiral building block in pharmaceutical synthesis, particularly in the development of beta-lactam antibiotics. Its strained oxetane ring enhances metabolic stability and improves pharmacokinetic properties in drug candidates. Commonly employed to introduce polarity and rigidity into molecular structures, aiding in the optimization of drug potency and selectivity. Also utilized in the synthesis of protease inhibitors and other bioactive molecules where stereochemistry plays a critical role in activity.