DL-2-Phenylglycinol is widely used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. It serves as an intermediate in the production of antibiotics such as penicillins and cephalosporins, where its structure contributes to the beta-lactam ring system. Due to its amine and alcohol functional groups, it is valuable in asymmetric synthesis and catalysis, especially in the development of chiral ligands and auxiliaries. It is also employed in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors and receptor antagonists in medicinal chemistry research. Its racemic nature makes it suitable for early-stage development where chirality is later resolved or optimized.