Trans-styrylacetic acid is primarily used in organic synthesis as a building block for the creation of more complex molecules. Its structure, featuring both a vinyl group and a carboxylic acid, makes it a versatile intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the synthesis of anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents. Additionally, it is employed in the development of organic materials, such as liquid crystals and polymers, due to its ability to participate in various chemical reactions, including polymerization and cross-linking. Its conjugated system also makes it useful in the study of photochemical processes and in the design of fluorescent probes for biological imaging.