Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of biocompatible polymers and surface modifiers for medical devices. Its long aliphatic chain with a protected carboxylic acid and benzyloxy group allows for stepwise functionalization in peptide and protein conjugation strategies. Commonly employed in the development of drug delivery systems, particularly for attaching lipophilic moieties to enhance membrane permeability. Also applied in the preparation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold surfaces for biosensor applications due to its ability to form stable, ordered layers. The benzyl ester group can be selectively removed under mild conditions, enabling controlled release mechanisms and further chemical modifications.