Used primarily as a reducing agent in various industrial processes, it plays a crucial role in textile dyeing and printing, where it helps in the reduction of vat dyes to their soluble form, ensuring even and vibrant coloration on fabrics. In the paper and pulp industry, it is employed to bleach mechanical pulp, enhancing the brightness and quality of the final product. Additionally, it serves as a key component in water treatment processes, aiding in the removal of harmful substances and improving water quality. Its reducing properties are also utilized in chemical synthesis, facilitating the production of various organic compounds.