(R)-Ethyl 3-aminobutanoate hydrochloride is primarily used in the pharmaceutical industry as a chiral building block for the synthesis of various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Its enantiomeric purity makes it valuable in the production of drugs that require specific stereochemistry to achieve desired therapeutic effects. This compound is often employed in the development of central nervous system (CNS) drugs, including those targeting neurological disorders, due to its structural compatibility with biologically relevant molecules. Additionally, it serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of amino acid derivatives and peptides, which are crucial in drug design and development. Its application extends to research settings, where it is used in the study of chiral compounds and their interactions with biological systems.