Used as a buffering agent in pharmaceuticals and biological solutions to maintain stable pH levels. Commonly employed in dental cements to aid in setting and hardening. Serves as a dispersing agent in detergents and cleaning formulations. Utilized in food industry as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and pH regulator in processed cheeses, canned soups, and baked goods. Applied in water treatment to control scale and corrosion. Also used in laboratory settings for sample preparation and in molecular biology for DNA precipitation.