This compound is primarily used in peptide synthesis as a building block. It serves as a protected amino acid, where the tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group safeguards the amino functionality during the synthesis process. This allows for selective reactions at other sites of the molecule without interference. It is particularly useful in creating complex peptides for pharmaceutical research, enabling the development of drugs targeting various diseases. Additionally, its chiral nature makes it valuable in producing enantiomerically pure compounds, which are critical in drug design to ensure specificity and reduce side effects.