This chemical is widely used as a chelating agent in coordination chemistry due to its ability to form stable complexes with metal ions. It is particularly effective in binding alkali and alkaline earth metals, making it useful in ion-selective electrodes and sensors for detecting specific metal ions in analytical chemistry. Additionally, it plays a role in phase-transfer catalysis, facilitating reactions between compounds in different phases. Its crown ether structure also makes it valuable in supramolecular chemistry for constructing molecular assemblies and host-guest systems. In research, it is employed to study ion transport mechanisms and to develop advanced materials with specific properties.