(±)-Z-α-Phosphonoglycine trimethyl ester is a specialty chemical used primarily in biochemical and pharmacological research, as well as an intermediate in the synthesis of herbicides. It functions by inhibiting the enzyme EPSP synthase, which is vital for the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids in plants, disrupting plant metabolism and growth. This makes it valuable for studying herbicide mechanisms and developing agricultural chemicals for weed control. It is also applied in non-crop areas for vegetation management in research contexts.