Dimethylglyoxime is widely used in analytical chemistry as a reagent for the detection and determination of nickel and palladium. It forms a bright red precipitate with nickel ions, which is highly specific and allows for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of nickel in various samples, including alloys, ores, and environmental samples.

In addition to its role in metal analysis, dimethylglyoxime is employed in organic synthesis as a chelating agent. It is used to selectively complex with metal ions, facilitating the purification or separation of specific metals in complex mixtures.

Furthermore, it finds application in the field of coordination chemistry, where it is used to study the properties and structures of metal complexes. Its ability to form stable complexes with certain metals makes it valuable in research and industrial processes involving metal coordination.

In some cases, dimethylglyoxime is also utilized in the preparation of catalysts and in the synthesis of organic compounds where precise control over metal interactions is required.