This compound is primarily utilized in biochemical research and pharmaceutical development due to its role as a precursor in the synthesis of specialized amino acids and peptides. It is often employed in the study of enzyme mechanisms and metabolic pathways, particularly those involving amino acid metabolism. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the creation of bioactive molecules and potential drug candidates, especially in the development of treatments targeting neurological disorders and metabolic diseases. Its chiral nature also makes it valuable in asymmetric synthesis and the production of enantiomerically pure compounds.