Phytic acid exists in all eukaryotic cells. In plants it is known to function as a [PO4]3? storage depot and precursor for other inositol phosphates and pyrophosphates. It can be used clinically as a complexing agent for removal of traces of heavy metal ions. It acts also as a hypocalcemic agent.

Neoeuonymine is an alkaloid that can be isolated from Euonymus sieboldiana.

Chromotrope 2B is a reagent for analytical determination of boric acid and borates, and is also used to produce a highly colored radical anion in conjuction with Chromotrope 2R.