Primarily used as a surfactant in firefighting foams, particularly for extinguishing flammable liquid fires, due to its ability to form a film that suppresses vapor release. It is also employed in the electronics industry as a wetting agent in etching and cleaning processes, enhancing the efficiency of surface treatments. Additionally, it finds application in the production of specialized polymers and coatings, where it imparts water and oil repellency. Its use in analytical chemistry as a reagent for ion-pair chromatography is notable for separating and detecting various compounds. However, its environmental persistence has led to increased scrutiny and regulation in recent years.