8-Hydroxynaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid is widely used in the dye and pigment industry as an intermediate for the synthesis of azo dyes. These dyes are essential for coloring textiles, leather, and paper, providing vibrant and long-lasting hues. Additionally, it serves as a coupling agent in the production of organic pigments, enhancing their stability and color intensity. In the pharmaceutical sector, it is utilized as a building block for synthesizing certain drugs, particularly those with sulfonamide groups. Its chelating properties also make it valuable in water treatment processes, where it helps in removing metal ions from industrial wastewater. Furthermore, it is employed in analytical chemistry as a reagent for detecting and quantifying specific metal ions due to its ability to form stable complexes.