5-Aminopentanoic acid tert-butyl ester is primarily used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Its structure makes it valuable for constructing more complex molecules, especially in peptide synthesis where it serves as a protected amino acid derivative. The tert-butyl ester group provides stability during reactions, allowing for selective deprotection when needed. This compound is also utilized in the development of bioactive compounds, including potential drug candidates, due to its ability to introduce functional groups into target molecules. Additionally, it finds application in research settings for studying reaction mechanisms and optimizing synthetic pathways.