Used as a selective ionophore in ion-selective electrodes, particularly for sensing alkali metal ions like potassium and sodium due to its crown ether structure with carboxylic acid functionality for improved solubility and binding selectivity. The compound is also employed in supramolecular chemistry for host-guest complexation, where the crown ether ring binds cations and the carboxylic group allows for further chemical modification or immobilization on surfaces. Applied in analytical chemistry for ion transport studies and in the development of chemical sensors and biosensors. Its ability to form stable complexes with specific cations makes it useful in separation technologies and catalysis where controlled ion binding and release are required.