Mordant Yellow 1 is primarily used as a dye in various industrial and laboratory applications. It is commonly employed in the textile industry for dyeing fabrics, particularly those made of natural fibers like wool and cotton. The dye forms stable complexes with metal ions, making it effective in mordant dyeing processes where it binds to the fabric with the help of metal salts, enhancing color fastness and durability.

In biological and histological studies, Mordant Yellow 1 is utilized as a staining agent to highlight specific structures in tissue samples under microscopic examination. Its ability to bind selectively to certain components makes it valuable in research and diagnostic applications.

Additionally, it finds use in analytical chemistry as an indicator for complexometric titrations, helping to determine the presence and concentration of metal ions in solutions. Its distinct color change in the presence of specific metals aids in accurate endpoint detection during chemical analyses.