(2-Isocyanoethyl)benzene is primarily used in organic synthesis as a versatile building block for the preparation of various heterocyclic compounds. Its isocyano group makes it a valuable reagent in the formation of complex molecular structures, particularly in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It is often employed in multicomponent reactions, such as the Ugi reaction, to create diverse libraries of bioactive molecules. Additionally, it serves as a precursor in the development of polymers and materials with specific functional properties, contributing to advancements in material science and industrial chemistry.