Used primarily as a source of borane (BH3) in organic synthesis, the dimethyl sulfide complex offers a stable and convenient alternative to gaseous diborane. It effectively reduces carboxylic acids to primary alcohols and, more slowly, esters to primary alcohols. It is also widely employed in hydroboration of alkenes to form organoboranes, which can be further oxidized to alcohols. Additionally, it can reduce certain nitro compounds to amines under specific conditions. This reagent is particularly valuable in the preparation of pharmaceutical intermediates and fine chemicals due to its mild and selective reducing properties. Its stability and ease of handling make it preferred in laboratory and industrial applications.