2-Amino-2-phenylbutanoic acid is primarily utilized in the field of medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical research. It serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various bioactive compounds and drugs, particularly those targeting neurological and psychiatric disorders. Its structural features make it valuable for developing molecules that interact with neurotransmitter systems, such as GABA and glutamate receptors. Additionally, it is employed in the production of chiral compounds, leveraging its stereochemistry for the creation of enantiomerically pure substances. This chemical is also explored in peptide synthesis, where its unique properties contribute to the design of novel peptides with potential therapeutic applications.