Used primarily as a reactive intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the preparation of functionalized polymers and resins. Its anhydride functionality allows it to participate in condensation reactions, making it valuable in the development of high-performance coatings and adhesives. It is also employed in the synthesis of specialty monomers for copolymerization with other vinyl compounds, enhancing thermal stability and mechanical properties of the resulting materials. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the pharmaceutical industry for constructing heterocyclic compounds with potential biological activity.