3-(Methylamino)benzoic acid is an organic compound featuring both a carboxylic acid group and a secondary amine (methylamino) group attached to a benzene ring. This bifunctional structure makes it a versatile chemical building block. Its primary application is in pharmaceutical synthesis, where it serves as a key intermediate. It is notably used in the preparation of various pharmacologically active compounds, including certain local anesthetics and other drug candidates. The presence of both an aromatic amine and a carboxylic acid allows for diverse chemical modifications, enabling its incorporation into more complex molecular architectures. As a commercially available fine chemical, it is utilized in research and development for constructing amide bonds or for further functionalization of the aromatic ring. Standard safety precautions for handling laboratory chemicals should be observed.