(S)-(-)-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydronaphthoic acid is primarily utilized in the field of organic synthesis as a chiral building block. Its stereochemistry makes it valuable for constructing complex molecules with specific optical properties, particularly in pharmaceuticals where enantiomeric purity is crucial. It is often employed in asymmetric synthesis to produce chiral intermediates for drugs targeting neurological, cardiovascular, and oncological diseases. Additionally, it serves as a ligand in catalytic systems, enhancing the efficiency and selectivity of reactions such as hydrogenation and cross-coupling. In material science, it is explored for developing chiral polymers and liquid crystals with potential applications in advanced displays and optical devices.