2,2'-Bipyridine-6,6'-dicarboxylic acid is primarily used as a chelating agent and ligand in coordination chemistry, forming stable complexes with various metal ions, particularly transition metals. This makes it valuable in catalysis, including reactions involving electron transfer, oxidation, and reduction, as well as in material synthesis. It is often employed in the development of luminescent materials, sensors, and other functional materials due to its ability to enhance photophysical properties and study electronic and structural properties. Additionally, it serves as a building block in supramolecular chemistry for constructing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Its applications extend to analytical chemistry, where it is utilized in the detection and quantification of metal ions in environmental and biological samples. Furthermore, it contributes to the development of advanced materials for electronics and energy storage devices.