Here's why:
* Abundance: Water is the most abundant compound on Earth, covering 71% of the planet's surface.
* Versatility: It is used in almost every industry, including agriculture, manufacturing, energy production, transportation, and household use.
* Minimal Preprocessing: While water often needs treatment (filtration, purification) for specific uses, the vast majority of water used globally requires very little preprocessing, especially for agricultural and industrial applications.
While other compounds like nitrogen (N₂) and oxygen (O₂) are also heavily used, they often require significant processing before being utilized in various industries. Water's widespread availability and minimal preprocessing needs make it the most used chemical compound in the global economy.