Used primarily as a research chemical in the study of nitrosamine compounds, which are of interest in toxicology and carcinogenesis research. It serves as an alkylating agent in organic synthesis, particularly in the development and testing of inhibitors for nitrosamine formation. Due to its nitroso group, it is also utilized in mechanistic studies related to DNA alkylation and mutagenicity. Handling requires strict safety controls due to potential health hazards associated with nitrosamines.