Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of surfactants and emulsifiers. It functions as a building block for sulfonamide-based compounds with applications in textile auxiliaries and detergents due to its hydrophilic properties. Also employed in the formulation of corrosion inhibitors in metalworking fluids. Its hydroxyl groups allow for further chemical modifications such as ethoxylation or esterification, enhancing its versatility in industrial formulations. Additionally, it finds use in personal care products as a stabilizer or mildness agent in formulations requiring low irritation.