This compound is primarily used in peptide synthesis as a protected form of N-methyl-D-phenylalanine. It helps in the stepwise construction of peptides by preventing unwanted reactions at the amino group during the synthesis process. The tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group provides stability under various reaction conditions, making it a valuable tool in organic and medicinal chemistry. 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 application extends to research in biochemistry and molecular biology for studying protein structure and function.