It is soluble in water and glycerol, slightly soluble in ethanol, octanol, insoluble in ether.

It can be used as a camouflage acid in the chrome tanning process for leather industry, a catalyst and stabilizing synthesis agent, a reducing agent in the printing and dyeing industry, and in the production of sodium hydrosulfite, oxalic acid and formic acid. In addition, it can be used for precipitation of precious metals.

Complex ions of trivalent metals can be formed in the solution. It has a buffering effect and can correct the pH value of strong acids.

It can be used for alkyd resin coatings, plasticizers, high explosives, acid resistant materials, aviation lubricating oils and adhesive additives.