3-Methylcyclooctene is primarily used in organic synthesis and research applications. It serves as a key intermediate in the production of more complex chemical compounds, particularly in the development of specialty chemicals and fine chemicals. Its structure makes it valuable in polymerization reactions, where it can be used to create polymers with specific properties. Additionally, it is utilized in the study of ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) to develop advanced materials. In pharmaceutical research, it can act as a building block for synthesizing novel drug candidates. Its unique cyclic structure also makes it a useful compound in the field of catalysis, particularly in reactions involving transition metal catalysts.