Used in the food industry as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and pH controller, particularly in processed cheeses, meats, seafood, dairy products, and beverages to improve texture, melting properties, water retention, juiciness, yield, and prevent stains.

Employed in detergents, dishwashing liquids, and laundry products for its water-softening properties by binding metal ions such as calcium and magnesium, thereby improving cleaning efficiency.

In the textile and paper industries, it reacts with positively charged minerals like calcium and magnesium to prevent precipitation and enhance bleaching processes.

Acts as a dispersing agent in industrial applications to prevent particle aggregation in suspensions.

Used in metal surface treatment to remove oxides and prepare surfaces for coating.

Also found in some dental products to help control tartar buildup by binding calcium ions.