Used in peptide synthesis as a protected amino acid derivative, where the benzyloxycarbonyl (Z) group acts as an amine-protecting group. It helps in preventing unwanted side reactions during the stepwise assembly of peptides. The ethyl ester (OEt) serves as a carboxylic acid protecting group, allowing selective deprotection and coupling at specific sites. Commonly employed in organic synthesis for building peptide chains in medicinal chemistry and biochemical research.