This compound is primarily utilized in biochemical research as a substrate or intermediate in enzymatic studies, particularly those involving cysteine proteases or enzymes that interact with cysteine derivatives. It serves as a tool to investigate enzyme kinetics, inhibition, and specificity, aiding in the understanding of biochemical pathways. Additionally, it can be used in the synthesis of more complex molecules for pharmaceutical or biological studies, where its nitro group provides a reactive site for further chemical modifications. Its application is also relevant in studying redox processes and protein interactions due to the presence of the cysteine moiety.