This compound is primarily used in peptide synthesis as a building block. It serves as a protected form of β-homoalanine, allowing selective reactions at other sites of the molecule during the synthesis process. The Boc (tert-butoxycarbonyl) group provides stability and prevents unwanted side reactions, making it valuable in the production of complex peptides and proteins. It is also utilized in research to study peptide structure and function, particularly in cases where β-amino acids are incorporated to enhance stability or modify biological activity. Additionally, it finds application in the development of peptidomimetics, which are compounds designed to mimic peptides for therapeutic purposes.