Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of peptide-based pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors. Its protected amino group and free carboxylic acid functional group allow for selective coupling in solid-phase or solution-phase peptide synthesis. Commonly employed in the preparation of complex bioactive peptides where stereochemical control is critical. The benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz) protecting group enables mild deprotection conditions, making it suitable for multi-step syntheses. Widely applied in research settings for constructing enzyme substrates and inhibitors with high stereoselectivity.