Used in peptide synthesis as a chiral building block, particularly in the preparation of complex bioactive molecules. Its protected amine and carboxylic acid groups allow for selective coupling reactions, making it valuable in the development of pharmaceutical intermediates. Commonly employed in the synthesis of protease inhibitors and other therapeutic peptides where stereochemistry is critical. The benzyl and benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz) protecting groups can be readily removed under mild conditions, enabling stepwise assembly of peptide chains. Also utilized in research settings for the design of enzyme substrates and inhibitors.