Used as a highly selective extractant in hydrometallurgical processes, particularly for the separation and recovery of rare earth elements from complex leach solutions. Its branched alkyl chain structure enhances solubility in organic diluents and improves metal ion selectivity, making it effective in liquid-liquid extraction. It shows strong affinity for heavy rare earths such as dysprosium and yttrium, allowing efficient purification from impurities like iron and aluminum. Also applied in nuclear fuel reprocessing due to its stability under radiation and resistance to hydrolysis. Suitable for use in continuous extraction systems where high phase separation efficiency and low aqueous solubility are required.