Used primarily as an oxidizing agent in organic synthesis, it facilitates the formation of disulfide bonds in peptides and proteins, crucial for stabilizing their structure. It is also employed in biochemical research to study protein folding and enzyme activity. In industrial applications, it serves as a catalyst in polymerization processes, enhancing the efficiency of producing polymers with specific properties. Additionally, it finds use in the preparation of certain pharmaceuticals, where precise control over molecular structure is essential for drug efficacy.