Malonic acid is used to prepare barbiturates. Its derivative diethylmalonate is used in Knoevenagel condensation reactions as well as reacts with acetone to form Meldrum's acid. It is used to control acidity, preservative additive for foods and as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulation. It acts as a precursor to polyesters and as an active component in alkyd resins. Further, it is used as a building block in chemical synthesis. In addition to this, it is used to prepare starch-based resin.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.