Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of herbicides, particularly those targeting broadleaf weeds in crops like corn and soybeans. It plays a key role in the development of compounds that inhibit plant growth by disrupting amino acid biosynthesis. Additionally, it is employed in research for studying enzyme interactions and metabolic pathways in plants, aiding in the design of more effective agricultural chemicals. Its derivatives are also explored for potential use in pharmaceutical applications, particularly in the development of antimicrobial agents.