N-Acetyl-4-fluoro-DL-phenylalanine is primarily used in biochemical research and pharmaceutical development. It serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of more complex molecules, particularly in the production of peptide-based drugs. Its fluorinated structure makes it valuable for studying enzyme interactions and metabolic pathways, as the fluorine atom can act as a probe in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies. Additionally, it is utilized in the development of targeted therapies, especially in cancer research, where it helps in designing inhibitors that can modulate specific biological processes. Its application also extends to the field of radiopharmaceuticals, where it can be labeled with radioactive isotopes for imaging and diagnostic purposes.