1-Phenyl-1,3-butadiene is primarily used as a monomer in the synthesis of specialty polymers and copolymers. Its conjugated diene structure allows it to participate in polymerization reactions, making it valuable in the production of materials with unique optical and electrical properties. It is also employed in organic synthesis as a building block for creating complex organic molecules, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Additionally, its reactivity makes it useful in research for studying reaction mechanisms, especially in Diels-Alder reactions, where it serves as a diene component.