This compound is primarily used in peptide synthesis as a protected amino acid derivative. It serves as a building block in the construction of complex peptides, ensuring specific amino acids are incorporated correctly during the synthesis process. The Z (benzyloxycarbonyl) group protects the amino group, while the OtBu (tert-butyl ester) group protects the carboxyl group, preventing unwanted reactions. This protection is crucial for stepwise peptide assembly, particularly in solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). It is commonly employed in research and pharmaceutical development to create peptides with high purity and specificity, aiding in the study of protein functions and the production of therapeutic peptides.