3-Phosphonopropionic acid is widely used as a scale inhibitor in water treatment processes, particularly in industrial cooling systems and boilers. It effectively prevents the formation of calcium carbonate and other mineral scales, ensuring efficient heat transfer and prolonging equipment life. In agriculture, it serves as a precursor for synthesizing herbicides and plant growth regulators, helping to control weed growth and enhance crop productivity. Additionally, it is utilized in the production of chelating agents, which are essential in detergents and cleaning formulations for binding metal ions and improving cleaning efficiency. Its applications also extend to research, where it is used as a biochemical reagent in studying enzyme inhibition and metabolic pathways.