Used as a building block in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), this compound acts as a multitopic linker due to its four carboxylic acid groups. Its rigid terphenyl backbone helps create porous, thermally stable frameworks ideal for gas storage, separation of small molecules, and catalysis. The methyl groups can be functionalized for further modification, enhancing its utility in designing tailored porous materials. It is particularly valued in research focused on CO₂ capture and hydrogen storage because of the high surface area and tunable pore size it contributes to MOF structures.