Used as a building block in the synthesis of high-performance polymers, particularly polyamides and polyimides, due to its rigid aromatic structure and functional carboxylic acid groups. Its bifunctional nature allows it to act as a co-monomer, enhancing thermal stability and mechanical strength in the resulting materials. Commonly applied in specialty films, coatings, and engineering plastics where resistance to heat and chemicals is required. Also explored in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for gas storage or catalysis owing to its ability to chelate metal ions through carboxyl and nitrogen sites.