Methyl 3-(pyridin-4-yl)acrylate is primarily used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its structure, featuring both a pyridine ring and an acrylate group, makes it valuable for constructing complex molecules. It is often employed in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) due to its ability to introduce functional groups that enhance biological activity. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the synthesis of polymers and coatings, where its reactivity can be utilized to create materials with specific properties. In research, it is used to study reaction mechanisms and develop new synthetic pathways.