Used as a biochemical reagent in research laboratories for studying enzyme mechanisms, particularly as an inhibitor of pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzymes. It interferes with amino acid metabolism and is employed to probe the activity of alanine racemase and other related enzymes. Also utilized in the synthesis of modified peptides and antibiotics where selective chlorination plays a role in enhancing biological activity. Its structural similarity to alanine allows it to act as a substrate analog in metabolic studies.