Used primarily in biochemical research as a thiol-containing analog of aspartic acid, this compound serves as a building block for peptide synthesis and enzyme studies. Its thioether linkage and dual carboxylic acid groups make it useful in metal chelation experiments and in the design of enzyme inhibitors, particularly for enzymes involving sulfur metabolism. It is also employed in the development of biologically active molecules where controlled redox properties are required. Due to its structural similarity to natural amino acids, it can be used to probe protein structure and function or modify peptide stability.