Used primarily as a surfactant in various industrial and laboratory applications, it enhances the solubility of hydrophobic compounds in aqueous solutions. It is commonly employed in chromatography as a mobile phase additive to improve the separation of non-polar analytes. In the manufacturing sector, it serves as an emulsifying agent in the production of detergents, cleaners, and personal care products. Additionally, it finds use in biochemical research for protein extraction and solubilization due to its ability to disrupt hydrophobic interactions. Its role in enhancing the performance of electroplating baths is also notable, where it improves the quality of metal coatings.