Used as a chiral building block in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds. Its amino acid structure makes it valuable in peptide mimetic design, where the methyl substitution influences conformational stability. Employed in the development of enzyme inhibitors and antimicrobial agents due to its structural similarity to natural amino acids. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis for creating stereoselective intermediates. The hydrochloride salt form enhances solubility and stability in various reaction conditions.