Terphthalaldehyde is used in the preparation of imines, which are also commonly referred to as Schiff bases, following a condensation reaction with amines.

This reaction is by definition reversible, thus creating an equilibrium between aldehyde and amine on one side, and the imine and water on the other.

[4] Typically, an equilibrium between the imine and aldehyde is formed, which is dependent on the concentration of the relevant compounds and the pH of the solution.

Due to the characteristic metal-coordinating properties of imines, terephthalaldehyde finds common use in synthesis of molecular cages.

[7] Terephthalaldehyde is also a commonly used intermediate or starting material in the preparation of a broad variety of organic compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, dyes and fluorescent whitening agents.