Used primarily in peptide synthesis, this compound serves as a protected amino acid derivative, enabling the controlled construction of peptide chains. It is particularly valuable in research and development of biologically active peptides, where the Boc (tert-butoxycarbonyl) group provides temporary protection for the amine functionality during synthesis. This allows for selective reactions at other sites of the molecule, ensuring precise peptide assembly. Its pyridyl side chain can also contribute to interactions in peptide-protein binding studies, making it useful in drug discovery and biochemical research.