β-cyano-L-Alanine is primarily used in biochemical research to study plant metabolism, particularly in the context of cyanide detoxification pathways. It serves as a precursor in the biosynthesis of certain amino acids and is often employed to investigate the enzymatic processes involved in cyanide assimilation in plants. Additionally, it is utilized in studies related to nitrogen metabolism and the role of non-protein amino acids in plant defense mechanisms. Its applications extend to understanding stress responses in plants, where it helps elucidate how plants cope with toxic compounds like cyanide.