This chemical is primarily used as a chelating agent in various industrial and laboratory processes. It effectively binds to metal ions, making it valuable in water treatment to remove heavy metals and prevent scaling. In analytical chemistry, it is employed to complex and stabilize metal ions for accurate measurements and analysis, including complexometric titration for ions like calcium, magnesium, and other heavy metals. Additionally, it finds application in the synthesis of coordination compounds and as a reagent in biochemical research for studying metal-protein interactions. Its chelating properties also make it useful in detergents and cleaning formulations to enhance the removal of metal stains.