Z-Dab-OH is primarily used in peptide synthesis as a building block. It serves as a protected form of the amino acid 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), which is essential for creating specific peptide sequences. This compound is particularly valuable in the development of peptides with enhanced stability or modified biological activity. It is also employed in research to study peptide-protein interactions and to design peptide-based drugs, especially in areas like antimicrobial and anticancer therapies. Additionally, Z-Dab-OH is utilized in the preparation of peptidomimetics, which are compounds that mimic the structure and function of peptides, aiding in drug discovery and development.