This chemical is primarily used in peptide synthesis, where it serves as a protected form of cysteine. The tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group protects the amino group, allowing selective reactions at other sites during peptide chain assembly. The thiol group in the molecule is crucial for forming disulfide bonds, which are essential for the structural stability of many peptides and proteins. Additionally, it is employed in the development of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the creation of drugs that target protein-protein interactions or require specific disulfide bridge formations. Its role in organic synthesis also extends to the preparation of complex molecules with specific stereochemistry, making it valuable in both academic research and industrial applications.