This chemical is primarily utilized in the field of organic synthesis, particularly as an intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals. Its structure, featuring a tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) protecting group, makes it valuable in peptide synthesis, where it helps protect amine functionalities during complex reactions. The phenylpiperidine moiety is often found in compounds with biological activity, making this chemical a key building block in the development of drugs targeting the central nervous system, such as analgesics or antipsychotics. Additionally, its carboxylic acid group allows for further functionalization, enabling the creation of diverse derivatives for medicinal chemistry research.