Iodoacetonitrile is primarily used in organic synthesis as a versatile reagent for introducing the cyano group into various organic compounds. It serves as a key intermediate in the preparation of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other specialty chemicals. In medicinal chemistry, it is employed in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, which are often active ingredients in drugs. Additionally, iodoacetonitrile is utilized in the modification of peptides and proteins, aiding in the study of their structure and function. Its reactivity with nucleophiles makes it valuable for cross-coupling reactions, enabling the construction of complex molecular frameworks. In material science, it is used to synthesize polymers and other advanced materials with specific properties.