DL-β-Phenylalanine is a beta-amino acid widely utilized in pharmaceutical synthesis as an intermediate for producing beta-peptides and drugs such as baclofen, a GABA analog used to treat muscle spasticity and neurological disorders.

In biochemical research, it is employed to investigate enzyme interactions, metabolic pathways involving non-natural amino acids, and the development of protease-resistant peptides for potential therapeutic applications.

It also plays a role in the production of fine chemicals and intermediates for agrochemicals, including pesticides and herbicides, due to its structural versatility in organic synthesis.

Unlike alpha-phenylalanine, DL-β-Phenylalanine does not directly serve as a precursor for neurotransmitters like dopamine; its applications focus on synthetic and research contexts rather than natural metabolic pathways.