Used as a derivatizing agent in analytical chemistry, particularly in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for the detection and identification of carbonyl compounds. It reacts selectively with aldehydes and ketones to form stable oxime derivatives, enhancing volatility and thermal stability for improved chromatographic separation. Its pentafluorophenyl group provides strong electron-capturing properties, making it highly suitable for electron capture detection (ECD) in trace analysis. Commonly applied in environmental and biological samples to detect low-concentration carbonyls such as pollutants, metabolites, or degradation products.