Used as a solvent in the production of rayon fibers through the N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) process, where it directly dissolves cellulose without chemical derivatization. This allows for efficient, closed-loop manufacturing of regenerated cellulose fibers with low environmental impact. Also employed in organic synthesis as an oxidant, particularly in the Sharpless epoxidation, where it activates titanium-based catalysts to convert allylic alcohols into epoxides with high stereoselectivity. Its ability to stabilize reactive intermediates makes it valuable in various oxidation reactions and heterocyclic syntheses.