N-Methylmaleimide is widely used in biochemical research as a reagent for modifying proteins and peptides. It specifically reacts with thiol groups in cysteine residues, making it valuable for studying protein structure and function. This compound is also employed in crosslinking experiments to investigate protein-protein interactions. Additionally, it serves as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and polymers. Its ability to inhibit certain enzymes has further applications in biochemical assays and drug development studies.