Widely used in analytical chemistry as a chelating agent for the detection and extraction of metal ions, particularly aluminum, beryllium, and zinc. It forms highly fluorescent complexes with these metals, making it valuable in fluorometric assays and spectrophotometric analysis. Its selective binding properties are exploited in separation techniques and environmental monitoring for trace metal determination. Also applied in the synthesis of luminescent materials and as a ligand in coordination chemistry for developing catalysts. Its derivatives show potential in medicinal chemistry due to observed antimicrobial and antitumor activities.