Sodium 3-sulfobenzoate is widely used as an intermediate in the synthesis of dyes and pigments, particularly in the production of azo dyes, which are essential for coloring textiles, paper, and leather. It also serves as a key component in the manufacture of specialty chemicals, including surfactants and detergents, due to its ability to enhance solubility and stability in formulations. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is utilized as a building block for creating various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients. Additionally, it finds application in water treatment processes as a chelating agent to control metal ions and prevent scaling in industrial systems. Its versatility makes it valuable in research and development for creating novel compounds with specific functional properties.