Hydantoic acid is primarily used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds. It plays a role in the development of hydantoin derivatives, which are found in anticonvulsant drugs and antimicrobial agents. Due to its functional groups, it is also employed in peptide synthesis and as a building block in the creation of heterocyclic compounds. Its structure allows for easy modification, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for drug design and optimization. Additionally, it has been explored in the synthesis of polymers and specialty chemicals requiring water-soluble or biodegradable properties.