There are three isomeric forms designated trans,trans-muconic acid, cis,trans-muconic acid, and cis,cis-muconic acid which differ by the geometry around the double bonds.

trans,trans-Muconic acid is a metabolite of benzene in humans.

The determination of its concentration in urine is therefore used as a biomarker of occupational or environmental exposure to benzene.

[6] cis,cis-Muconic acid is produced by some bacteria by the enzymatic degradation of various aromatic chemical compounds.

The bioproduction of muconic acid is of interest because of its potential use as a platform chemical for the production of several valuable consumer bioplastics including nylon-6,6, polyurethane, and polyethylene terephthalate.