N-Boc-3-iodo-DL-phenylalanine is primarily used in organic synthesis as a key intermediate for the preparation of more complex molecules. Its Boc-protected amino group allows for selective reactions at other functional sites, making it valuable in peptide synthesis and the development of pharmaceuticals. The iodine atom on the phenyl ring provides a reactive site for cross-coupling reactions, such as Suzuki or Sonogashira couplings, enabling the introduction of diverse substituents. This compound is particularly useful in medicinal chemistry for designing and synthesizing bioactive compounds, including enzyme inhibitors and receptor modulators. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the study of amino acid derivatives and their role in biological systems.