Used primarily in the synthesis of melanin-related compounds, this chemical plays a crucial role in research focused on pigmentation processes. It is instrumental in developing products for hair dyes and cosmetics, aiming to mimic natural melanin for more realistic and durable color results. Additionally, it serves as a precursor in the study of neurodegenerative diseases, where melanin's protective properties are of interest. Its application extends to the field of materials science, where it is explored for creating bio-inspired materials with unique optical and electronic properties.