Used primarily as a derivatizing agent in analytical chemistry, especially in the detection and quantification of aliphatic amines and amino acids. Its aldehyde group reacts readily with primary amines to form colored Schiff bases, which are useful in spectrophotometric and chromatographic analyses. Commonly employed in thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for visualizing amine-containing compounds due to the intense yellow to orange color of the resulting imines. Also applied in forensic science for developing latent fingerprints, where it reacts with amino acids present in sweat residues. Additionally, serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of dyes and pharmaceuticals, benefiting from its electron-donating dimethylamino group and aromatic reactivity.