Used as a protected intermediate in peptide synthesis, particularly in the preparation of complex organic molecules where selective protection of functional groups is required. The tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group protects the alpha-amino function, allowing for controlled deprotection under mild acidic conditions, while the carboxylic acid is protected as a tert-butyl ester. This enables stepwise assembly of peptides without side reactions. The free hydroxyl group at the 6-position can be further modified for conjugation or used in cyclization reactions. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for synthesizing bioactive compounds, including enzyme inhibitors and pharmaceutical agents.