This compound is primarily utilized in the synthesis of peptides and amino acid derivatives, serving as a key intermediate in organic and medicinal chemistry. It is particularly valuable in the preparation of chiral molecules due to its stereocenter, enabling the production of enantiomerically pure compounds. The benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz) protecting group in its structure is widely used in peptide synthesis to protect amino groups during reactions, ensuring selective coupling and deprotection processes. Additionally, the pent-4-enoic acid moiety offers versatility for further functionalization, making it useful in the development of bioactive molecules, pharmaceuticals, and research tools. Its applications extend to the study of enzyme mechanisms and the design of inhibitors or modulators for biological targets.