Used primarily in the medical field as a phosphate binder for patients with kidney disease, helping to control high blood phosphate levels by binding phosphates in the food people eat. Commonly prescribed for those undergoing dialysis, it reduces the amount of phosphate absorbed in the intestines. Also utilized in food processing as a buffering agent and preservative, enhancing shelf life and stabilizing pH in certain products. In industrial applications, it serves as a mordant in dyeing processes and in the production of acetate esters. Additionally, it can be used in wastewater treatment to remove sulfates.