Tetronic acid derivatives are primarily used in the development of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals due to their biological activity. They serve as key structural motifs in the synthesis of compounds with antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. These derivatives are also explored in the design of enzyme inhibitors, particularly for targets involved in metabolic and infectious diseases. In agriculture, tetronic acid-based molecules are found in certain herbicides and insecticides, where they interfere with essential biosynthetic pathways in pests. Their ability to chelate metal ions also makes them useful in specialty applications such as catalysts or stabilizers in chemical formulations.