2-Hydroxypentanedioic acid, also known as 2-hydroxyglutaric acid, is a specialty chemical primarily utilized in biochemical research and organic synthesis. It serves as a key intermediate in the preparation of pharmaceuticals, particularly those related to metabolic pathways and enzyme inhibitors. This compound is studied in the context of inborn errors of metabolism, such as 2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria, and is used as a chiral building block for fine chemicals. Its dicarboxylic acid structure provides chelating properties, making it applicable in niche industrial processes for metal ion sequestration, though it is not a common commodity chemical.