(E)-3-Iodoacrylic acid is primarily utilized in organic synthesis as a versatile building block for the creation of more complex molecules. Its iodo and acrylic functional groups make it a valuable intermediate in cross-coupling reactions, such as the Heck reaction, which is widely used in the formation of carbon-carbon bonds. This compound is also employed in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, where it serves as a precursor for the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Additionally, it finds application in material science, particularly in the preparation of functionalized polymers and coatings, where its reactivity can be harnessed to introduce specific properties like adhesion or conductivity. In research, it is often used to study reaction mechanisms and to develop new synthetic methodologies.