2-Amino-2-(2-chlorophenyl)acetic acid is utilized as a chiral building block and intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis, particularly for beta-lactam antibiotics such as ampicillin analogs and other semisynthetic penicillins or cephalosporins. The presence of the amino and carboxylic acid groups enables amide bond formation for side chain attachment. Its halogenated aromatic structure enhances solubility and biological interactions, making it suitable for developing antimicrobial agents. It is also investigated in agrochemicals and other bioactive compounds due to its modifiable alpha-amino acid framework.