Widely used in the dye industry as an intermediate for producing azo dyes, which are essential for coloring textiles, paper, and leather. It serves as a key component in synthesizing water-soluble dyes due to its sulfonic acid groups, enhancing dye affinity for fabrics. Additionally, it is employed in the production of fluorescent brightening agents, which improve the whiteness and brightness of materials like plastics and detergents. In analytical chemistry, it acts as a reagent for detecting and quantifying certain metal ions. Its versatility also extends to the pharmaceutical sector, where it is utilized in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and as a stabilizer in various formulations.