3-Anilinopropanoic acid is primarily used in organic synthesis as an intermediate for the production of various pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its structure, featuring both an aromatic aniline group and a carboxylic acid moiety, makes it a versatile building block in the development of compounds with potential biological activity. It is often employed in the synthesis of β-amino acids, which are crucial in the design of peptide-based drugs and enzyme inhibitors. Additionally, it serves as a precursor in the preparation of dyes and pigments due to its aromatic nature. In research, it is utilized to study the properties and reactivity of aniline derivatives, contributing to advancements in medicinal chemistry and material science.