This compound is primarily used in peptide synthesis as a protecting group for amino acids. The fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) group, which is part of its structure, is widely employed in solid-phase peptide synthesis to protect the amino group during the assembly of peptide chains. It allows for selective deprotection under mild basic conditions, ensuring the integrity of the peptide sequence. Additionally, the nonanoic acid moiety provides a hydrophobic linker, which can be useful in modifying peptides or other biomolecules to enhance their solubility or binding properties. Its applications extend to the development of pharmaceuticals, biochemical research, and the synthesis of complex organic molecules.