This chemical is primarily used in organic synthesis as a building block for the preparation of more complex molecules, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. It serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of peptides and peptidomimetics, where the tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group acts as a protective group for amines during multi-step reactions. Its chiral structure makes it valuable in the production of enantiomerically pure compounds, which are essential for drug development. Additionally, it is utilized in research for designing and synthesizing bioactive compounds, including enzyme inhibitors and receptor ligands, due to its stability and ease of modification.