Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of serotonin-related drugs and central nervous system agents. It serves as a building block for developing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other neuromodulatory compounds. Also employed in research settings to study tryptophan metabolism and enzyme mechanisms involving amino acid transformation. Its chlorinated structure enhances metabolic stability, making it valuable in designing bioactive molecules with improved half-life.