4-(tert-Butyl)picolinic acid is primarily used in the field of organic synthesis as a versatile building block for the development of various chemical compounds. Its structure, featuring a picolinic acid core with a tert-butyl group, makes it useful in the preparation of ligands for metal coordination complexes, particularly in catalysis. It is often employed in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, where it can act as a precursor or intermediate in the creation of bioactive molecules. Additionally, its chelating properties are leveraged in the design of materials for applications such as metal extraction or purification processes. In agricultural chemistry, it may serve as a component in the formulation of herbicides or plant growth regulators due to its ability to interact with biological systems.