Benzyl carbamate is an organic compound with the molecular formula C8H9NO2. It is a white to off-white crystalline solid. Structurally, it consists of a carbamate functional group (-NH-COO-) attached to a benzyl group, making it a versatile building block in organic synthesis. Its primary application is as a pharmaceutical intermediate. It serves as a key precursor in the synthesis of various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), particularly those containing the carbamate moiety. For example, it is used in the production of certain central nervous system (CNS) drugs and other therapeutic agents where the benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz) group, which can be derived from or related to benzyl carbamate, is employed as a protecting group for amines during synthesis. While its main use is in pharmaceutical manufacturing, its well-defined structure also makes it a useful organic synthesis building block, particularly for introducing protected amine or carbamate functionalities. It is commercially available from chemical suppliers specializing in fine chemicals and intermediates for research and development.