This chemical is widely used in medical imaging as a chelating agent, particularly in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It forms stable complexes with gadolinium ions, which are used as contrast agents to enhance the visibility of internal structures in MRI scans. These complexes improve the clarity and detail of images, aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions such as tumors, inflammation, and vascular abnormalities.

Additionally, it is utilized in research and development for studying metal ion interactions and coordination chemistry, due to its strong binding affinity with various metal ions. Its applications extend to the field of radiopharmaceuticals, where it is employed to create labeled compounds for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.