Ethyl L-phenylalaninate hydrochloride is primarily used in the synthesis of peptides and pharmaceutical compounds. It serves as a protected form of the amino acid phenylalanine, enabling controlled reactions in peptide bond formation. This compound is particularly valuable in research and development of drugs, where precise amino acid incorporation is essential. It is also utilized in the production of chiral molecules, aiding in the creation of enantiomerically pure substances for therapeutic applications. Additionally, it finds use in biochemical studies to investigate enzyme mechanisms and protein interactions.