Widely used in peptide synthesis as an N-protected form of L-DOPA (Cbz-L-DOPA), where the benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz) group protects the alpha-amino function, facilitating the controlled assembly of complex peptides. The free 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl (catechol) side chain may require careful handling to avoid oxidation or unwanted side reactions, but the Cbz protection prevents interference from the amino group. The Cbz group allows for selective deprotection under mild hydrogenolytic conditions, making it ideal for stepwise solid-phase or solution-phase peptide coupling. Commonly employed in the preparation of bioactive peptides related to neurodegenerative disease research, particularly those targeting dopamine receptors or melanin pathways. Also utilized in the development of enzyme inhibitors and diagnostic probes due to its structural similarity to natural catecholamine precursors. Stable under a range of reaction conditions, it supports multi-step syntheses in medicinal chemistry.