This compound is primarily used in peptide synthesis as a protected form of aspartic acid. The tert-butyl groups act as protecting groups, preventing unwanted reactions at the carboxyl and side chain functional groups during the synthesis process. It is particularly useful in solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), where selective deprotection allows for the stepwise construction of peptides. Its application ensures the integrity of the aspartic acid residue is maintained until the desired stage of the synthesis, making it a valuable reagent in the production of complex peptides for research, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.