Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of sulfonamide-based drugs with antimicrobial and carbonic anhydrase inhibitory activity. It serves in the preparation of bioactive molecules where the aminomethyl group allows for coupling reactions in medicinal chemistry. Also utilized in the design of enzyme inhibitors and receptor ligands due to its ability to mimic aromatic amino acid derivatives. Its hydrochloride salt form enhances solubility and stability in aqueous reaction environments.