Used as a buffering agent in biochemical and molecular biology laboratories to maintain stable pH levels during experiments. Commonly applied in DNA and RNA extraction protocols. Serves as a source of acetate in microbial growth media for cultivating bacteria and yeast. Employed in heating pads and hand warmers due to its ability to release heat when undergoing phase change from liquid to solid. Utilized in the textile industry for neutralizing excess acid in dyeing processes. Also found in some food products as a preservative and flavoring agent, helping to control acidity and inhibit microbial growth.