Used in organic synthesis as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of histamine-related compounds and central nervous system agents. Serves as a building block in the preparation of bioactive molecules due to the imidazole ring, which is common in many enzyme inhibitors and receptor ligands. Also applied in research for designing new drugs with potential anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, or neuroprotective activities. Its carboxylic acid functionality allows for easy derivatization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating peptide-like structures or prodrugs.