This compound, 2-(2-((tert-Butoxycarbonyl)amino)thiazol-4-yl)-2-oxoacetic acid, is a key protected intermediate in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily for the synthesis of third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and related drugs. The Boc group protects the 2-amino functionality on the thiazole ring, while the glyoxylic acid moiety enables coupling to the 7-aminocephalosporin core via amide bond formation. After coupling, the protecting group is removed to yield the active side chain essential for broad-spectrum activity against Gram-negative bacteria.