2-(3-Iodophenyl)acetic acid is an organic compound featuring a phenyl ring substituted with an iodine atom at the meta position and an acetic acid moiety. This structure combines a reactive aryl iodide, suitable for cross-coupling reactions (e.g., Suzuki, Sonogashira), with a carboxylic acid group, enabling further derivatization. Its primary application is as a versatile building block in medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical research. The compound is frequently employed in the synthesis of small-molecule drug candidates, particularly as a key intermediate for constructing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), kinase inhibitors, and other bioactive molecules targeting the central nervous system or oncology pathways. The iodine atom serves as a convenient handle for late-stage functionalization. Additionally, it functions as a general synthetic building block in organic chemistry. The compound is used to introduce the 3-iodophenylacetic acid motif into more complex structures, serving as a precursor for radiolabeled compounds or as a starting material for developing novel ligands and materials. Standard safety precautions for handling halogenated aromatic acids should be observed.