This compound is primarily used in the field of peptide synthesis as a building block. It serves as a protected amino acid derivative, where the tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group safeguards the amino functionality during the synthesis process. This protection is crucial to prevent unwanted side reactions and to ensure the correct sequence of amino acids in the peptide chain. The compound is particularly valuable in the synthesis of complex peptides and proteins, where precise control over the reaction conditions is essential. Additionally, its sterically hindered structure can be advantageous in directing the synthesis towards specific conformational outcomes, making it a useful tool in the development of bioactive peptides and pharmaceutical agents.