1,4-Cyclohexadiene is primarily used as a reducing agent in organic synthesis. It is particularly effective in hydrogenation reactions, where it donates hydrogen atoms to unsaturated compounds, converting them into saturated forms. This property makes it valuable in the production of pharmaceuticals, where precise reduction of specific functional groups is often required. Additionally, it is employed in the synthesis of complex organic molecules, including polymers and fine chemicals, due to its ability to selectively reduce double bonds without affecting other sensitive groups in the molecule. Its use extends to research laboratories as a reagent for studying reaction mechanisms and developing new synthetic routes.