(S)-3-((tert-Butoxycarbonyl)amino)heptanoic acid is primarily used in organic synthesis as a building block for the preparation of more complex molecules. It is often employed in peptide synthesis, where the tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group serves as a protective group for the amino functionality, preventing unwanted reactions during the synthesis process. This compound is particularly valuable in the development of bioactive peptides and peptidomimetics, which have applications in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. Additionally, it can be utilized in the synthesis of chiral intermediates for pharmaceuticals, contributing to the production of enantiomerically pure drugs. Its role in facilitating controlled and selective chemical reactions makes it a key reagent in both academic research and industrial applications.