O-(2-Nitrobenzyl)-L-tyrosine is primarily used in biochemical research as a caging compound. It is employed to study biological processes by temporarily blocking the activity of tyrosine, a crucial amino acid in proteins and enzymes. When exposed to UV light, the 2-nitrobenzyl group is cleaved, releasing the active tyrosine. This allows researchers to precisely control and trigger specific biological activities, such as enzyme function or protein interactions, in a time-resolved manner. It is particularly useful in studying signal transduction pathways, protein dynamics, and cellular processes where precise temporal control is required. Additionally, it finds applications in photopharmacology for developing light-activated drugs.