Used primarily in biochemical research, this compound serves as a building block for synthesizing peptides and proteins. It is particularly valuable in studies involving enzyme mechanisms and protein interactions, where its unique structure can help in understanding binding affinities and catalytic processes. Additionally, it is utilized in the development of pharmaceuticals, especially in the design of drugs targeting neurological disorders, due to its ability to mimic certain amino acids involved in neurotransmitter pathways. Its role in peptide synthesis also extends to the production of custom peptides for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.