3,6-Dihydro-2H-thiopyran is primarily used in organic synthesis as a versatile intermediate. It serves as a building block for the preparation of more complex sulfur-containing heterocycles, which are valuable in pharmaceutical and agrochemical research. The compound is often employed in the development of ligands for catalysis, particularly in asymmetric synthesis, due to its ability to form stable complexes with transition metals. Additionally, it is utilized in the synthesis of polymers and materials science, where its sulfur atom can impart unique electronic and mechanical properties to the final product. Its reactivity in cycloaddition reactions also makes it useful in the construction of diverse molecular frameworks.