tert-Butyl 9-aminononanoate is primarily used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals. Its structure, featuring both an amino group and an ester group, makes it a versatile building block for the creation of more complex molecules. In pharmaceutical applications, it is often employed in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and drug candidates, especially those requiring long-chain aliphatic structures. Additionally, it can serve as a precursor in the development of polymers and surfactants, where its functional groups facilitate polymerization or modification processes. Its role in chemical research also extends to the study of peptide mimetics and other biologically active compounds.