This compound is primarily used in the synthesis of peptides and pharmaceutical intermediates. It serves as a protecting group for amino acids, particularly valine, during peptide synthesis to prevent unwanted reactions. Its tert-butyl group provides stability under acidic conditions, making it valuable in organic synthesis and drug development. Additionally, it is utilized in research to study enzyme mechanisms and protein interactions due to its ability to mimic natural amino acids. Its application extends to the production of bioactive compounds and chiral molecules in medicinal chemistry.