(R)-2-Aminoheptanoic acid is primarily used in the field of organic synthesis and pharmaceutical research. It serves as a chiral building block for the development of various biologically active compounds, including peptides and small molecule drugs. Its enantiomeric purity makes it valuable in the synthesis of enantioselective catalysts and ligands, which are crucial in asymmetric synthesis. Additionally, it is employed in the study of enzyme mechanisms and as a precursor for the production of specialized amino acids with potential therapeutic applications. In material science, it can be utilized to modify polymers or surfaces to enhance their biocompatibility or functionality.