Used as a highly sensitive reagent for the detection and quantification of iron in various samples, particularly in biological and environmental studies. It forms a colored complex with ferrous iron, which can be measured spectrophotometrically, making it valuable in analytical chemistry for determining iron concentrations. Additionally, it is employed in research to study iron metabolism and its role in biochemical processes. Its water-soluble nature and strong chelating properties also make it useful in industrial applications for metal ion analysis and removal.