This chemical is widely used as an intermediate in the synthesis of dyes and pigments, particularly in the production of acid dyes and reactive dyes for textiles. Its trisulfonic acid groups make it highly water-soluble, which is essential for dye applications in aqueous solutions. It is also employed in the manufacturing of fluorescent whitening agents, which are added to detergents and papers to enhance brightness. Additionally, it serves as a key component in the preparation of optical brighteners and certain types of analytical reagents. Its ability to form stable complexes with metals makes it useful in some specialized chemical processes and research applications.