This chemical is primarily used in organic synthesis as a building block for the preparation of more complex molecules. It serves as a protected form of an amino acid, where the tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group safeguards the amine functionality during reactions. This protection is crucial in peptide synthesis, allowing for the selective formation of peptide bonds without unwanted side reactions. Additionally, it finds application in the development of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the synthesis of cyclic peptides and other bioactive compounds. Its cycloheptane ring structure also makes it valuable in the study of ring strain and conformational analysis in organic chemistry.