Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, 2,6-diiodopyridine serves as a building block in cross-coupling reactions due to the presence of iodine atoms that readily participate in palladium-catalyzed reactions such as Suzuki or Heck couplings. Its structure allows for selective functionalization, making it valuable in the development of complex pyridine-based molecules. It is also employed in the preparation of ligands for catalysis and in the research of bioactive compounds where the pyridine core is essential.