This compound is primarily used in the synthesis of peptides and pharmaceutical intermediates. It serves as a key building block in the development of biologically active molecules, particularly in the creation of drugs targeting specific receptors or enzymes. Its structure, featuring a tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) protecting group, makes it valuable in peptide chemistry, as the Boc group can be selectively removed under mild acidic conditions without affecting other functional groups. Additionally, the presence of the 4-ethylphenyl moiety allows for interactions with hydrophobic regions in target proteins, enhancing its utility in designing compounds with improved binding affinity and selectivity. It is often employed in medicinal chemistry research for the development of potential therapeutics for conditions such as inflammation, cancer, and metabolic disorders.