Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents targeting neurological disorders, particularly serotonin receptor modulators. Its structural similarity to tryptophan allows incorporation into peptide-based drugs, enhancing blood-brain barrier penetration. Commonly employed in research for developing antidepressants and anti-migraine compounds due to its chiral stability and bioavailability in central nervous system applications. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis to produce enantiomerically pure biologically active molecules.