This compound is primarily utilized in the pharmaceutical industry as an intermediate in the synthesis of various therapeutic agents. It plays a crucial role in the development of drugs targeting neurological disorders, particularly those involving glutamate regulation, due to its structural similarity to glutamate. Additionally, it is employed in research settings to study metabolic pathways and enzyme interactions, contributing to advancements in biochemistry and medicinal chemistry. Its unique properties also make it valuable in the production of specialized peptides and amino acid derivatives used in drug design and development.