DL-4-Hydroxymandelonitrile is primarily used in the synthesis of various organic compounds, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It serves as a key intermediate in the manufacture of certain herbicides and plant growth regulators, aiding in the development of products that enhance crop yield and protect against weeds. Additionally, it is utilized in research settings for the preparation of chiral molecules, which are important in the development of enantiomerically pure drugs. Its role in organic synthesis also extends to the creation of complex chemical structures used in material science and fine chemical industries.