Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) active agents. Its structure supports the creation of compounds with potential anxiolytic and anticonvulsant properties. The presence of both amino and carboxylic acid functional groups allows for peptide-like coupling, enabling integration into more complex molecules. It is also employed in medicinal chemistry research for designing enzyme inhibitors and receptor modulators, especially targeting GABAergic systems. Its trifluoromethylphenyl moiety enhances metabolic stability and lipophilicity, improving blood-brain barrier penetration in drug candidates.