This compound is primarily utilized in the field of biochemistry and neuroscience research. It serves as an analog of glutamate, a key neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, making it valuable for studying glutamate receptors and their role in neural signaling. Researchers use it to investigate synaptic transmission, excitotoxicity, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Additionally, it finds application in the development of pharmaceutical compounds targeting glutamate-related disorders, including epilepsy and mood disorders. Its structural similarity to glutamate also makes it a useful tool in metabolic studies, particularly in understanding amino acid metabolism and its impact on cellular function.