Used as a phase-transfer catalyst in organic synthesis, facilitating reactions between reagents in different phases by transferring ions into organic solvents. Commonly employed in nucleophilic substitutions, esterifications, and polymerizations where solubility of ionic compounds is limited. Also serves as a source of quaternary ammonium cations in the preparation of functionalized materials and in electrochemical studies. In research, it is used to mimic cholinergic activity in biological systems due to its ability to act as a nicotinic receptor agonist. Additionally, applied in analytical chemistry for ion-pairing in chromatography and capillary electrophoresis to improve separation of anionic species.