This compound is widely used in peptide synthesis as a protecting group for the carboxyl function of glycine. The tert-butyl ester group (OtBu) is particularly valuable because it can be easily removed under acidic conditions without affecting other protecting groups commonly used in peptide chemistry. This makes it a crucial reagent in the stepwise construction of complex peptides, ensuring that the glycine residue remains protected until the desired stage of synthesis. Additionally, it is employed in the preparation of glycine derivatives for pharmaceutical research, where controlled deprotection is essential for the development of peptide-based drugs. Its stability under basic conditions also allows for its use in various organic transformations, making it a versatile tool in synthetic chemistry.