3-Ethoxybenzoic acid is primarily utilized in the synthesis of various organic compounds, serving as a key intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and dyes. Its ethoxy and carboxylic acid functional groups make it a versatile building block for chemical reactions, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). It is also employed in the creation of liquid crystal materials, which are essential for display technologies. Additionally, this compound finds use in research and development for studying reaction mechanisms and developing new synthetic pathways in organic chemistry.