The molecule is a monohydroxybenzoic acid consisting of 2-hydroxybenzoic acid having nitro substituents at the 3- and 5-positions. It is used in colorimetric testing for the presence of free carbonyl groups (C=O) in reducing sugars. It has a role as a hapten. It is a C-nitro compound and a monohydroxybenzoic acid. It derives from a salicylic acid.
2-hydroxy-3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid