Widely used as a reducing agent in chemical synthesis, particularly in the production of other tin compounds and in electroless plating processes. It serves as a catalyst in the manufacturing of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable polymer used in plastics and textiles. Commonly applied in textile dyeing as a mordant to help fix dyes onto fabrics, improving color fastness. Used in the silvering of mirrors and glass coatings due to its ability to reduce silver ions to metallic silver in solution. Employed in analytical chemistry for the detection and estimation of oxidizing agents like potassium permanganate and ferric salts. Also found in some industrial cleaning solutions and corrosion inhibitors. Additionally, used in small amounts in cosmetics and toothpaste formulations as an anticavity agent and preservative.