Benzotriazole-5-carboxylic acid is primarily used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its structure allows it to act as a building block for more complex molecules, often contributing to the development of drugs with specific biological activities. Additionally, it is employed in the synthesis of corrosion inhibitors, which are essential in protecting metals from degradation in various industrial applications. The compound's ability to form stable complexes with metal ions makes it valuable in analytical chemistry for metal ion detection and separation processes. Its versatility also extends to the field of materials science, where it is used in the development of advanced polymers and coatings with enhanced properties.