Used in pharmaceutical research as a chiral building block for the synthesis of various drugs, particularly those targeting neurological disorders. It serves as a precursor in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) due to its amino acid structure, which is essential for peptide synthesis. Additionally, it is employed in the development of enzyme inhibitors and receptor modulators, contributing to advancements in medicinal chemistry. Its hydrochloride form enhances solubility, making it suitable for formulation studies and drug delivery systems.