Used in medicinal chemistry as a structural analog of amino acids, particularly in the development of enzyme inhibitors targeting neurodegenerative diseases. Shows potential in modulating glutamate receptors due to its resemblance to endogenous neurotransmitters. Also employed in the synthesis of bioactive molecules for studying metabolic pathways and signal transduction. Its phosphonic acid group enhances binding affinity to metalloenzymes, making it useful in designing inhibitors for phosphatases and other phosphate-processing enzymes.