1. Organic Synthesis and Pharmaceutical Industry
As a key pharmaceutical intermediate, it is used to synthesize more complex chiral drug molecules.

2. Chiral Resolution
Utilizing its chiral properties, it is used as a resolving agent to separate enantiomers in racemic mixtures, particularly for the resolution of bases.

3. Analytical Chemistry
As an analytical reagent, it is used to analyze bases and to analyze alcohols by forming esters.

4. Stereoselective Synthesis
Used for stereoselective α-alkylation reactions via dioxolane to construct molecules with specific stereoconfigurations.

5. Potential Bioactivity Studies

Note: The following data are primarily derived from studies of its racemic form (DL-mandelic acid) or related derivatives, and can serve as a reference for potential applications of D-mandelic acid.

– Antibacterial Activity: DL-mandelic acid has been studied for urinary tract infections and trichomoniasis.

– Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant: Related derivatives have shown inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenase (COX), anti-inflammatory activity, and antioxidant activity in studies.