Used as a biocide and antimicrobial agent in industrial water treatment systems. Effective against bacteria, algae, and fungi in cooling towers, paper mills, and metalworking fluids. Provides preservation in latex emulsions and industrial coatings by preventing microbial degradation. Also applied as a phase-transfer catalyst in organic synthesis, facilitating reactions between compounds in different phases. Its surfactant properties make it useful in specialized cleaning formulations and disinfectants.