Versatility in Chemical Reactions:
Glyoxylic acid exhibits dual reactivity due to the presence of both aldehyde (-CHO) and carboxylic acid (-COOH) groups. This enables it to participate in various chemical reactions, such as cyclization, condensation, and esterification, making it a versatile intermediate for synthesizing numerous products.
Natural Occurrence:
Found naturally in unripe fruits and plant materials, glyoxylic acid is a biologically relevant compound, making it compatible with applications requiring a more natural or bio-based source.
Cost-Effective and Efficient:
As a starting material, it enables the efficient production of fine chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), often reducing synthesis steps and costs in manufacturing.
Environmental Relevance:
Some derivatives of glyoxylic acid are biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly option in certain industrial processes.
Compatibility with Industrial Processes:
Its solubility in water and reactivity under mild conditions make it suitable for large-scale chemical production with manageable operational requirements.

Cosmetics and Household Products:

Glyoxylic acid is commonly used as a fragrance enhancer and fixative, adding aroma to products.

Pharmaceutical Industry:

Can be used to synthesize various products, such as oral penicillin, allantoin, p-hydroxyphenylglycine, p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, mandelic acid, phenylacetone, and α-thiophene glycolic acid.

Fragrance Manufacturing:

Used to synthesize compounds like vanillin, ethyl vanillin, jasmaldehyde, and p-methoxybenzaldehyde.

Fragrance Manufacturing:

Employed to produce glyphosate, glufosinate, methomyl, quinclorac, and clodinafop.