This compound is widely used in peptide synthesis, particularly as a protected form of L-serine. It serves as a building block in the production of peptides and proteins, ensuring the serine residue remains stable during the synthesis process. The tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group protects the amino group, preventing unwanted reactions. After the peptide chain is assembled, the Boc group can be selectively removed under mild acidic conditions, allowing further modifications. This chemical is essential in pharmaceutical research, enabling the development of peptide-based drugs and bioactive compounds. Its application is also significant in biochemistry for studying protein structure and function.