Used as an anionic surfactant in various industrial and laboratory applications. It is commonly employed in liquid chromatography as an ion-pairing agent to improve the separation of polar compounds, particularly in reversed-phase HPLC. The chemical aids in enhancing the retention and resolution of analytes, making it valuable in pharmaceutical and biochemical analyses. Additionally, it finds use in the synthesis of organic compounds, where it acts as a phase-transfer catalyst. Its surfactant properties also make it suitable for use in detergents and cleaning formulations, particularly for specialized applications requiring mild and effective cleaning agents.