This chemical is primarily utilized in the field of organic synthesis, particularly in peptide chemistry. It serves as a protected form of beta-alanine, where the phenylmethoxycarbonyl (Cbz) group acts as a protecting group for the amine functionality. This protection is crucial during the synthesis of peptides, as it prevents unwanted reactions at the amine site while other parts of the molecule are being modified. The compound is especially valuable in the stepwise construction of complex peptides, enabling selective deprotection and coupling reactions. Its application extends to the development of pharmaceuticals, where beta-alanine derivatives are often incorporated into drug molecules for their biological activity. Additionally, it is used in research settings to study peptide structure and function, aiding in the design of novel therapeutic agents.