Used extensively as a chelating agent in various industries, it effectively binds metal ions, preventing them from interfering with chemical processes. In the food industry, it is employed to preserve color and flavor by sequestering metal ions that can catalyze oxidation. In household and industrial cleaning products, it enhances the effectiveness of detergents by softening water through the removal of calcium and magnesium ions. In the medical field, it is utilized in blood collection tubes to prevent clotting by chelating calcium ions. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in agriculture as a component of fertilizers, where it helps in the delivery of micronutrients to plants by keeping them in a soluble form. Its ability to stabilize formulations and improve product performance makes it a valuable chemical in numerous applications.