Hippuric acid is primarily used in clinical and diagnostic settings to assess kidney function. It is often measured in urine to evaluate the efficiency of the kidneys in excreting waste products. Additionally, it serves as a biomarker for exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as toluene, as it is a metabolite formed when the body processes such compounds. In research, hippuric acid is utilized in studies related to metabolism and detoxification processes. It also finds application in the synthesis of certain pharmaceuticals and organic compounds, contributing to the development of new drugs and chemical products.