(R)-tert-Butyl 2-hydroxybutanoate is primarily used in the synthesis of chiral compounds, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. It serves as a key intermediate in the production of various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that require specific stereochemistry for their biological activity. The compound is also employed in asymmetric synthesis, where it helps in creating enantiomerically pure substances, which are crucial for the development of drugs with higher efficacy and fewer side effects. Additionally, it finds application in the preparation of fine chemicals and specialty materials, where its chiral properties are leveraged to achieve desired molecular configurations.