This chemical is primarily used in organic synthesis, particularly in peptide chemistry. It serves as a protected amino acid derivative, where the tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group safeguards the amino functionality during complex reactions. This protection is crucial in multi-step synthesis processes, allowing selective reactions to occur without interference from the amino group. It is also employed in the development of pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds, where precise control over molecular structure is essential. Additionally, it can be utilized in the preparation of intermediates for drug discovery and in the study of enzyme inhibitors. Its stability and ease of deprotection make it a valuable tool in synthetic organic chemistry.