This chemical is primarily used in peptide synthesis as a building block for creating complex peptide structures. It serves as a protected form of ornithine, where the Z group (benzyloxycarbonyl) safeguards the amino group during the synthesis process. This protection is crucial to prevent unwanted reactions and ensure the correct sequence of amino acids in the final peptide product. It is commonly employed in research laboratories and pharmaceutical development for producing peptides with specific biological activities, such as antimicrobial or therapeutic agents. Additionally, it finds use in studying enzyme mechanisms and protein interactions due to its role in mimicking natural amino acids in controlled environments.