Used in organic synthesis as a building block for more complex molecules, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds. It serves as a precursor in the creation of compounds with potential therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory or anticancer agents. Additionally, it is employed in research to study enzyme interactions and inhibition due to its structural similarity to certain amino acids. Its naphthalene group contributes to its use in fluorescence studies and as a probe in biochemical assays.