This compound is primarily utilized in biochemical research as a building block for synthesizing more complex molecules, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals. It serves as a key intermediate in the production of drugs targeting neurological disorders due to its structural similarity to amino acids involved in neurotransmitter synthesis. Additionally, it is used in studying enzyme mechanisms and protein interactions, especially those related to brominated aromatic compounds. Its unique structure also makes it valuable in organic synthesis for creating novel compounds with potential therapeutic applications.