Used as a reactive diluent and crosslinking agent in UV-curable coatings and adhesives. Enhances adhesion to polar substrates and improves hardness and chemical resistance of the cured film. Commonly employed in printing inks, electronic coatings, and protective surface finishes due to its ability to promote rapid curing under UV light. Also functions as a comonomer in specialty polymers to introduce maleate functionality for further chemical modification.