It is widely used as an antimicrobial and preservative agent in industrial formulations coatings adhesives and certain personal-care products. It is also used in chemical research and specialty chemical applications.

Its primary purpose is to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi helping prevent microbial contamination and product deterioration. It is commonly used as a biocidal agent in suitable formulations.

It is the sodium salt of 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide also known as sodium pyrithione and is an organosulfur compound with antimicrobial properties. It is generally supplied as a solid or aqueous solution depending on the grade and formulation.