Used as a selective ionophore in chemical sensors and ion-selective electrodes, particularly for detecting lithium and sodium ions due to its affinity for small cations. Its structure allows it to form stable complexes with these ions in solution, making it valuable in analytical chemistry for ion recognition and separation processes. Also employed in research for designing synthetic ion channels and studying cation transport mechanisms across membranes. Additionally, it serves as a building block in supramolecular chemistry for creating host-guest systems and molecular devices.