Used primarily as a photoaffinity labeling agent in biochemical and pharmacological research. Upon exposure to light, it generates highly reactive carbene species that form covalent bonds with nearby biomolecules, enabling the study of molecular interactions in proteins, enzymes, and receptor-ligand systems. Its stability in the dark and selective activation under UV light make it valuable for probing active sites and mapping binding domains in complex biological environments. Also applied in material science for surface modification and polymer crosslinking due to its ability to insert into various chemical bonds upon photolysis.