This chemical is primarily utilized in the field of analytical chemistry as a reagent for the detection and quantification of metal ions, particularly nickel and palladium. It forms stable, colored complexes with these metals, which can be measured spectrophotometrically to determine their concentration in various samples. This application is especially valuable in environmental monitoring, where it helps assess metal contamination in water and soil. Additionally, it is used in research laboratories for studying metal-ligand interactions and in industrial processes where precise metal ion detection is critical for quality control.