[1] The name denatonium reflects the substance's primary use as a denaturant and its chemical nature as a cation, hence -onium as a Neo-Latin suffix.

[6] Denatonium in humans is recognized by eight distinct bitter taste receptors: TAS2R4, TAS2R8, TAS2R10, TAS2R39, TAS2R43, TAS2R16, TAS2R46, and TAS2R47, being by far the most sensitive[clarification needed] to the compound.

Denatonium benzoate is used to denature ethanol so that it is not treated as an alcoholic beverage with respect to taxation and sales restrictions.

It is also added to less hazardous aerosol products (such as gas dusters) to discourage inhalant abuse of the volatile vapors.

[citation needed] In 1995, the U.S. state of Oregon required that denatonium benzoate be added to products containing sweet-tasting ethylene glycol and methanol such as antifreeze and windshield washer fluid to prevent poisonings of children and animals.

[14] Nintendo Switch game cartridges are coated in denatonium benzoate to prevent young children from consuming them.