Used primarily as a chelating agent in various industrial, medical, and agricultural applications. It effectively binds to metal ions such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, making it valuable in water treatment processes to prevent scale formation, control metal contamination, and condition water in manufacturing.

In the paper and pulp industry, it improves product quality by removing unwanted minerals. In textiles, it aids water conditioning and enhances dyeing efficiency. In the food industry, it prevents limescale buildup in machinery and pipes.

In the medical field, it is utilized in diagnostic imaging as a contrast agent (e.g., in gadolinium complexes) to enhance the visibility of internal structures during MRI scans and in chelation therapy for heavy metal detoxification. It also serves as a component in pharmaceutical products to bind metals and improve drug efficacy.

Additionally, it finds use in agriculture as a micronutrient fertilizer additive, ensuring plants receive essential metals for growth. Its ability to stabilize metal ions makes it a key component in cleaning formulations and wastewater treatment, particularly for removing metal stains, deposits, and heavy metals to improve water quality.