(R)-(-)-1-(2-Naphthyl)ethanol is primarily used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Its enantiomeric purity makes it valuable in producing optically active compounds, particularly in the development of drugs where stereochemistry plays a critical role in efficacy and safety. This compound is often employed in asymmetric synthesis and catalysis, aiding in the creation of complex molecules with high precision. Additionally, it serves as an intermediate in the production of liquid crystals and other advanced materials, where its structural properties contribute to desired performance characteristics. Its applications also extend to research in organic chemistry, where it is utilized to study chiral induction and enantioselective reactions.