Used in organic synthesis as a key intermediate for producing various pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds. It plays a role in the preparation of peptides and amino acid derivatives, particularly in the development of drugs targeting neurological disorders and metabolic diseases. Its hydrochloride form enhances solubility, making it suitable for reactions in aqueous or polar solvents. Additionally, it is employed in research for studying enzyme inhibition and receptor binding mechanisms due to its structural similarity to natural amino acids.