Benzylphosphonic acid is widely used in the field of materials science, particularly in the development of surface modification techniques. It is employed to create self-assembled monolayers on metal oxides, enhancing surface properties like corrosion resistance and adhesion. In organic synthesis, it serves as a key intermediate for producing phosphonate esters, which are valuable in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Additionally, it finds application in the preparation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) due to its ability to coordinate with metal ions, contributing to the design of porous materials for gas storage and catalysis. Its chelating properties also make it useful in water treatment processes for removing heavy metal ions.