This compound is primarily used in the field of peptide synthesis. It serves as a protected amino acid derivative, where the tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group safeguards the amino functionality during the synthesis process. This protection is crucial to prevent unwanted side reactions and to ensure the correct sequence of amino acids in the final peptide product. Additionally, it is utilized in the development of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the creation of peptide-based drugs, where precise control over amino acid incorporation is essential. Its chiral nature also makes it valuable in the synthesis of enantiomerically pure compounds, which are important in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients with specific biological activities.