What is tert-butyloxycarbonyl?

tert-Butyloxycarbonyl (Boc) is a protective group commonly used in organic synthesis to block the amino group (NH2) of an amino acid or peptide. The Boc group is attached to the nitrogen atom of the amino group and can be easily removed under mild conditions, such as treatment with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Boc-protected amino acids are widely used in peptide synthesis due to their stability during chemical reactions and ease of handling. The Boc group also provides steric hindrance that can affect the reactivity of the protected amino acid. Boc-protected amino acids are widely used in the synthesis of peptides for drug discovery, biochemical research, and biotechnology.