Sodium cinnamate is widely used in the food industry as a preservative and flavoring agent. It helps extend the shelf life of various food products by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi. Additionally, it is employed in the production of cosmetics and personal care items, where it acts as a fragrance component and stabilizer. In pharmaceuticals, sodium cinnamate is utilized for its antimicrobial properties and as an intermediate in the synthesis of certain drugs. It also finds application in organic chemistry as a reagent for various reactions, including esterification and polymerization processes.