(R)-N-Boc-2-aminobutyric acid is primarily used as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds. It serves as a building block in the synthesis of peptides and amino acid derivatives, where the Boc (tert-butoxycarbonyl) group acts as a protective group for the amine functionality. This compound is valuable in the development of chiral molecules, enabling the creation of enantiomerically pure drugs. Its application extends to the synthesis of unnatural amino acids, which are crucial in drug discovery and the design of peptide-based therapeutics. Additionally, it is utilized in research for studying enzyme mechanisms and developing inhibitors for various biological targets.