Iminodiacetonitrile (IDAN) is primarily used as an intermediate in the synthesis of various chemicals, particularly in the production of herbicides and pesticides. It plays a crucial role in the manufacturing of glyphosate, a widely used non-selective herbicide. Additionally, IDAN is utilized in the preparation of chelating agents, which are essential in water treatment processes to bind and remove metal ions. Its application extends to the pharmaceutical industry, where it serves as a building block for certain drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The compound's versatility also makes it valuable in research and development for creating new organic compounds with potential industrial or medicinal uses.