[3] DTT is a reducing agent; once oxidized, it forms a stable six-membered ring with an internal disulfide bond.

The terminal sulfur atoms of thiolated DNA have a tendency to form dimers in solution, especially in the presence of oxygen.

Dimerization greatly lowers the efficiency of subsequent coupling reactions such as DNA immobilization on gold in biosensors.

Typically DTT is mixed with a DNA solution and allowed to react, and then is removed by filtration (for the solid catalyst) or by chromatography (for the liquid form).

DTT will also denature antigens in the Kell, Lutheran, Dombrock, Cromer, Cartwright, LW and Knops blood group systems.

Conversely, the solvent exposure of different disulfide bonds can be assayed by their rate of reduction in the presence of DTT.

The presence of EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) to chelate divalent metal ions considerably extends the half-life of DTT in solution.