Used in polymer chemistry as a reactive monomer due to its vinyl group, enabling incorporation into copolymers for specialty coatings and hydrogels. Its carboxylic acid functionality allows for pH-responsive behavior, making it suitable for drug delivery systems and stimuli-sensitive materials. Also employed in dermatological formulations as a mild exfoliating agent and skin conditioning additive in cosmetics. Serves as a building block in synthesizing peptide mimetics and bioactive molecules in medicinal chemistry research.