Used in pharmaceuticals as a buffering agent to maintain pH stability in drug formulations. Commonly employed in diagnostic medicine for bowel preparation prior to colonoscopies due to its ability to draw water into the intestines and stimulate evacuation. Serves as an emulsifying agent in food processing, helping to improve texture and consistency in processed cheeses and other dairy products. Utilized in laboratory settings as a component of buffer solutions for biological and biochemical assays, especially in cell culture and protein purification. Acts as a corrosion inhibitor in water treatment systems and cooling towers by forming protective layers on metal surfaces. Also found in some laundry detergents and cleaning agents for its water-softening properties.