3-(2-Chlorophenyl)butanoic acid is primarily used in the field of organic synthesis as a key intermediate in the production of various pharmaceuticals. Its structure allows it to serve as a building block for the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), particularly in the synthesis of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. Additionally, it is utilized in research settings for the creation of novel compounds with potential therapeutic applications, such as inhibitors for specific enzymes or receptors. Its chlorophenyl group also makes it a valuable component in the study of structure-activity relationships in medicinal chemistry.