Used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of drugs targeting neurological disorders due to its structural similarity to neurotransmitters. It serves as a precursor in the development of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogs, which are crucial for treating conditions like epilepsy, anxiety, and muscle spasms. Additionally, it is employed in biochemical research to study enzyme interactions and metabolic pathways related to amino acid metabolism. Its applications also extend to the development of biodegradable polymers and specialty chemicals in industrial processes.