Used in biochemical research to study enzyme mechanisms, particularly those involving aspartate aminotransferase. It serves as a substrate analog to investigate the activity and specificity of enzymes that interact with aspartic acid. In neuroscience, it is utilized to explore the role of aspartate in neurotransmission and neuronal signaling. Additionally, it aids in the development of pharmaceuticals targeting metabolic pathways where aspartic acid plays a critical role. Its structural similarity to aspartic acid makes it valuable for probing amino acid metabolism and related disorders.