Z-Cha-OH, or N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-cyclohexylalanine, is a protected amino acid used primarily in peptide synthesis. The Z (benzyloxycarbonyl) group protects the amino terminus, enabling selective coupling of the free carboxylic acid to form peptide bonds while preventing unwanted side reactions. This compound is especially valuable in solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) for the stepwise assembly of peptide chains. Additionally, Z-Cha-OH supports the development of peptide-based drugs and bioactive molecules, contributing to advancements in medicinal chemistry and biochemistry research. Its chemical stability and compatibility with various coupling reagents make it a reliable building block in synthetic organic chemistry.