Used for caging unprotected cysteine-containing or thiophosphorylated peptides in aqueous solution. Used in the preparation of S-2-nitrobenzyl-cysteine by reaction with L-cysteine. It is also used for the introduction of the 2-nitrobenzyl protecting group in organic synthesis. It plays an important role in the production of expectorant agent. Further, it is employed for caging unprotected cysteine-containing or thiophosphorylated peptides in aqueous solution. In addition to this, it is used in the preparation of (R)- and (S)-3-amino-3,4-dihydro-1H-quinolin-2-one.