This compound is primarily used in the synthesis of peptides and peptidomimetics, serving as a protected amino acid derivative. It is particularly valuable in organic and medicinal chemistry for constructing complex molecules, as the tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group protects the amino functionality during reactions, preventing unwanted side reactions. It is often employed in the development of pharmaceuticals, especially in the production of drugs targeting specific biological pathways. Additionally, its chiral nature makes it useful in asymmetric synthesis, enabling the creation of enantiomerically pure compounds. This chemical is also utilized in research for studying enzyme mechanisms and designing enzyme inhibitors.