It is employed as an antiepileptic drug. It is hydrolyzed quickly to VPA in vivo, but has intrinsic anticonvulsant activity. Also a reactant used in the synthesis of mutual prodrugs containing bio-cleavable and drug releasable disulfide linkers.

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.