This compound is commonly used in peptide synthesis as a building block. It serves as a protected form of D-phenylalanine, where the tert-butyl ester group protects the carboxyl functionality and the hydrochloride salt is associated with the amino group, allowing selective reactions at other sites. This protection is crucial in solid-phase peptide synthesis, ensuring the correct sequence and structure of the peptide. It is particularly valuable in the production of complex peptides and proteins for pharmaceutical research, enabling the development of drugs targeting various diseases. Additionally, it finds application in the study of enzyme-substrate interactions and biochemical pathways, aiding in the understanding of biological processes.