Used as a key chiral intermediate in the synthesis of certain pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and other biologically active compounds targeting cancer and inflammatory diseases. Its structural similarity to natural amino acids allows incorporation into peptide-like molecules, enhancing target specificity. Also employed in asymmetric synthesis due to its chiral center, enabling the production of enantiomerically pure drugs. Its hydrochloride salt form improves solubility and stability during synthetic processes.