Used as a reactive intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of polymers and biodegradable plastics. It serves as a building block for citric acid derivatives, enabling the development of cross-linked networks in resins and coatings. Its anhydride functionality allows for easy ring-opening reactions with alcohols and amines, making it useful in synthesizing surfactants, plasticizers, and functionalized molecules for pharmaceutical applications. Also explored in green chemistry due to its potential derivation from renewable biomass sources.