Used primarily in the textile industry as an oxidizing agent for dyeing and finishing processes, especially in the bleaching of wool and silk. It helps achieve consistent color and improved fabric quality. Also employed in the manufacture of other bromine compounds and in some hair-waving preparations, where it acts as a waving agent by breaking and reforming disulfide bonds in hair proteins. Limited use in analytical chemistry for standardization of titrants due to its strong oxidizing properties. Its application in food or consumer products is highly restricted due to toxicity concerns.