Used primarily in peptide synthesis as a protecting group for glutamic acid, it helps prevent unwanted side reactions during the formation of peptide bonds. It is also employed in the study of enzyme mechanisms, particularly those involving proteases, to understand substrate specificity and catalytic activity. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the development of bioactive peptides and pharmaceutical compounds, contributing to the creation of drugs targeting various diseases. Its application extends to research in biochemistry and molecular biology, where it aids in the exploration of protein structure and function.