3-Cyanobenzenepropanoic acid is primarily utilized in organic synthesis as an intermediate in the production of various pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Its structure, featuring both a cyano group and a carboxylic acid group, makes it a versatile building block for constructing more complex molecules. It is often employed in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where the benzenepropanoic acid moiety is a key structural component. Additionally, it serves as a precursor in the development of compounds with potential biological activity, such as anti-inflammatory or analgesic agents. The compound’s reactivity also allows it to be used in the preparation of polymers and specialty chemicals, where its functional groups can be modified to achieve desired properties.