Used as a chelating agent in industrial and laboratory applications, particularly for binding multivalent metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper. It helps prevent metal-catalyzed degradation in formulations, making it useful in detergents, water treatment, and cleaning products. Its structure allows strong complexation with transition metals, enhancing stability in oxidative environments. Also employed in some specialized analytical chemistry procedures where selective metal ion sequestration is required. Shows potential in biomedical research due to its ability to modulate metal-dependent enzyme activity, though less common than other chelators like EDTA.