Used primarily as an intermediate in peptide synthesis, particularly in the preparation of complex organic molecules requiring selective protection of functional groups. The benzyl (Bzl) protecting group shields the serine side chain hydroxyl during chain assembly, allowing controlled formation of peptide bonds. It is compatible with solid-phase synthesis and commonly removed under mild hydrogenolysis or acidic conditions. Its Z (benzyloxycarbonyl) protection on the amine group enables stepwise elongation in classical peptide coupling strategies, making it valuable in pharmaceutical and biochemical research for producing protected amino acid building blocks.