Used in peptide synthesis as a protected amino acid, enabling the incorporation of phenylalanine derivatives into peptide chains. Its iodine atom allows for further functionalization through cross-coupling reactions, making it valuable in organic and medicinal chemistry for creating complex molecules. Commonly employed in the development of pharmaceuticals, particularly in designing peptide-based drugs or probes for biological studies. The Boc group provides stability during synthesis and can be selectively removed when needed.