This chemical is primarily used in the synthesis of peptides and other biologically active compounds. It serves as a protected amino acid derivative, ensuring that the reactive groups remain stable during complex chemical reactions. The tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group is particularly valuable in peptide synthesis as it can be easily removed under mild acidic conditions, allowing for the sequential assembly of peptide chains. Additionally, its chiral nature makes it useful in the production of enantiomerically pure substances, which are critical in pharmaceutical applications where the biological activity of a compound is often dependent on its stereochemistry. The compound is also employed in the development of inhibitors and other small molecules for research purposes, particularly in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.