(R)-[(1-Phenylethyl)amino]acetic acid is primarily utilized in the field of organic synthesis and pharmaceutical research. It serves as a chiral building block or intermediate in the production of enantiomerically pure compounds, which are crucial in the development of drugs with specific stereochemical requirements. The compound is often employed in asymmetric synthesis to create complex molecules with high optical purity, particularly in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where chirality plays a significant role in biological activity. Additionally, it finds application in the preparation of ligands for catalysis, aiding in the development of efficient and selective catalytic processes. Its use extends to research in medicinal chemistry, where it helps in the design and optimization of drug candidates with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.