Used in biochemical research as a labeled compound to study metabolic pathways and enzyme mechanisms, particularly in the context of amino acid metabolism. It serves as a deuterated analog of tyrosine, aiding in tracing and analyzing biological processes through techniques like NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Its application extends to investigating neurotransmitter synthesis and degradation, especially in relation to dopamine and other catecholamines, providing insights into neurological disorders and drug development.