Used as a preservative in food and beverages, particularly in wine and fruit juices, to prevent oxidation and microbial growth. Commonly employed in pharmaceuticals as an antioxidant to stabilize active ingredients. Acts as a reducing agent in industrial processes such as water treatment, where it removes residual chlorine. Utilized in photography for developing solutions and in textile dyeing and bleaching to control pH and improve color fastness. Also applied in the preparation of chemical solutions requiring oxygen-sensitive conditions due to its ability to scavenge dissolved oxygen. Additionally, used in bleaching processes in the paper industry.