Used as a reagent in organic synthesis for the preparation of derivatives through reactions with amines, alcohols, and thiols. It is particularly valuable in the production of urethanes, ureas, and thioureas. Also employed in analytical chemistry, where it serves as a derivatization agent for the detection and quantification of compounds containing active hydrogen atoms due to the strong UV absorption of the 3,5-dinitrophenyl group. Its reactivity makes it useful in the study of molecular interactions and the modification of biomolecules for research purposes.