Used in pharmaceutical research as an intermediate for synthesizing serotonin-related compounds and neuroactive agents. Serves as a chiral building block in asymmetric synthesis due to its amino acid ester structure. Employed in studies involving neurotransmitter metabolism and central nervous system disorders. Also utilized in peptide synthesis where protected or modified tryptophan residues are required. Its ester form enhances membrane permeability, making it useful in cell-based assays and drug delivery research.