This compound is primarily utilized in biochemical research due to its role as a chiral building block in the synthesis of peptides and other biologically active molecules. It is particularly valuable in studies involving enzyme mechanisms and receptor interactions, where its specific stereochemistry can influence binding and activity. Additionally, it serves as a precursor in the development of pharmaceuticals targeting neurological disorders, leveraging its structural similarity to naturally occurring amino acids that play critical roles in brain function. Its indole moiety also makes it a candidate for research in the field of tryptophan metabolism and related pathways.