This chemical is primarily used in the synthesis of peptides and pharmaceutical compounds. It serves as a protected amino acid derivative, where the tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group safeguards the amino functionality during chemical reactions. This protection is crucial in multi-step organic syntheses, particularly in the production of complex molecules like drugs or bioactive peptides. Additionally, its chiral structure makes it valuable in the preparation of enantiomerically pure compounds, which are essential in the development of specific therapeutic agents. Its application is common in medicinal chemistry and biotechnology for designing and optimizing drug candidates.