From an industrial perspective, it is the most important dicarboxylic acid: about 2.5 billion kilograms of this white crystalline powder are produced annually, mainly as a precursor for the production of nylon.

Adipic acid otherwise rarely occurs in nature,[4] but it is known as manufactured E number food additive E355.

Other major applications also involve polymers; it is a monomer for production of polyurethane and its esters are plasticizers, especially in PVC.

Other controlled-release formulations have included adipic acid with the intention of obtaining a late-burst release profile.

[15] Small but significant amounts of adipic acid are used as a food ingredient as a flavorant and gelling aid.

As an acidulant in baking powders, it avoids the undesirable hygroscopic properties of tartaric acid.

[4] The production of adipic acid is linked to emissions of N2O,[18] a potent greenhouse gas and cause of stratospheric ozone depletion.