Angelic acid is primarily used in the fragrance and flavor industry due to its characteristic odor, which contributes to the scent of various natural essential oils. It serves as a building block in the synthesis of aroma compounds and is often involved in creating esters that mimic fruity and floral notes in perfumes and cosmetics. Its derivatives are also explored in pharmaceutical research for their potential biological activity, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, angelic acid finds use as a reagent in organic chemistry for studying reaction mechanisms involving unsaturated carboxylic acids.