Used primarily as a reagent to detect and quantify nickel in various samples, particularly in pharmacopoeia testing for pharmaceutical preparations. When added to a solution containing nickel ions, it forms a bright red precipitate, indicating the presence of nickel. This reaction is highly selective and sensitive, making it valuable in qualitative inorganic analysis. Commonly applied in metallurgy, environmental testing, quality control of alloys, and pharmaceutical analysis. Also used in laboratories for separation of nickel from other metals due to its specificity.