Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and peptides. It serves as a C-terminal protected form of DL-alanine, with the carboxylic acid group esterified as a benzyl ester to prevent unwanted reactions during peptide coupling at the amino terminus. The benzyl protecting group can be readily removed via mild hydrogenolysis. The 4-toluenesulfonate (tosylate) counterion improves crystallinity and solubility characteristics, enhancing stability, purification, and storage. This specialty chemical is commonly employed in research laboratories for developing peptides, bioactive molecules, and chiral building blocks.