(R) -Methyl 3-hydroxybutanoate

(R) -Methyl 3-hydroxybutanoate is an enantiomer where the hydroxyl (-OH) group on the third carbon atom is oriented to the right when viewed from the methyl (-CH3) group. It appears as a colorless and transparent liquid, soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and ether but insoluble in water. This compound is commonly used as a building block in the synthesis of various organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and flavorings. Additionally, it serves as a chiral auxiliary in asymmetric synthesis reactions, which involve the stereoselective formation of chemical bonds.