2-Hydroxyadipic acid is utilized in the synthesis of specialty polymers and biodegradable plastics due to its bifunctional nature, which allows it to act as a monomer in polycondensation reactions. It is also employed in the production of fine chemicals and intermediates for pharmaceuticals, where its hydroxyl and carboxyl groups enable versatile chemical modifications. Additionally, it serves as a precursor in the development of bio-based materials, contributing to sustainable industrial processes. Its role in metabolic pathways is studied in biochemistry, aiding in the understanding of certain enzymatic processes and metabolic disorders.