Boc-3-(2-naphthyl)-L-alanine is primarily used in peptide synthesis as a protected amino acid derivative. The Boc (tert-butoxycarbonyl) group serves as a protective group for the amine functionality, preventing unwanted reactions during the peptide coupling process. This compound is particularly valuable in the synthesis of peptides that require the incorporation of aromatic amino acids, as the naphthyl group can enhance the peptide's interaction with hydrophobic regions of target proteins or receptors. It is commonly employed in the development of bioactive peptides, enzyme inhibitors, and other pharmaceutical compounds where precise control over amino acid sequence and structure is critical. Additionally, its use in solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) allows for the efficient production of complex peptides with high purity and yield.