Used primarily as a disinfectant and sanitizing agent in water treatment processes, particularly for swimming pools and spas. It effectively controls microbial growth, including bacteria, viruses, and algae, due to its strong oxidizing properties. Additionally, it is employed in the pharmaceutical industry for synthesizing iodine-containing compounds and as a reagent in organic synthesis. Its stability and controlled release of iodine make it suitable for applications requiring long-lasting antimicrobial activity.