Method for testing nickel: The method of testing nickel using diacetyl oxime as a reagent was discovered by L. A. Chugaev in 1905.

When used as an analytical reagent, dmgH2 is usually used in ethanol solution.

What forms the complex is the conjugate base of diacetyl oxime, not dmgH2 itself; and the two dmgH-ligands are hydrogen bonded to form a macrocyclic ligand.