The amino acid N-termini are protected by groups that are termed "temporary" protecting groups, because they are relatively easily removed to allow peptide bond formation. Two common N-terminal protecting groups are tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) and 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc), and each group has distinct characteristics that determine their use. Boc requires a moderately strong acid such as trifluoracetic acid (TFA) to be removed from the newly added amino acid, while Fmoc is a base-labile protecting group that is removed with a mild base such as piperidine.