Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antihypertensive agents and enzyme inhibitors. It serves as a chiral building block in asymmetric synthesis, enabling the production of biologically active compounds with high stereoselectivity. Its halogenated aromatic structure enhances binding affinity in certain receptor-targeted drugs, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry research. Also employed in the study of amino acid metabolism and transport mechanisms in cellular systems.