Used primarily as an ion-pairing agent in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to improve the separation of organic compounds, particularly those that are non-polar or weakly polar. It enhances the retention and resolution of analytes by interacting with both the stationary phase and the analytes. Additionally, it finds application in the preparation of buffer solutions for analytical chemistry, aiding in the detection and quantification of various substances. In some cases, it is also employed in the synthesis of surfactants and as an additive in electroplating solutions to improve coating uniformity and quality.