Used in peptide synthesis as a protected amino acid derivative, enabling selective coupling reactions in the production of complex peptides. The Boc group provides temporary protection for the amine functionality, while the 4-iodophenylalanine moiety introduces a reactive iodine handle for further modification via cross-coupling reactions such as Suzuki or Heck reactions. The methyl ester facilitates C-terminal protection and can be cleaved under mild conditions. Commonly applied in medicinal chemistry for developing bioactive peptides and labeled compounds.