N-Acetyl-L-tryptophan ethyl ester is primarily used in biochemical research as a substrate or intermediate in enzymatic studies. It is often employed to investigate the activity of enzymes like esterases or proteases, which can cleave or modify the ester or amide bonds in the compound. This makes it valuable for understanding enzyme mechanisms and kinetics. Additionally, it serves as a building block in peptide synthesis, where it can be incorporated into larger peptide chains due to its tryptophan moiety. In some cases, it is also explored for its potential in drug development, particularly in designing compounds that interact with biological systems at the molecular level. Its applications are largely confined to laboratory settings, focusing on research and development rather than direct industrial or commercial use.