Used primarily as a selective antagonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), it is employed in research to inhibit AhR activation caused by environmental toxins such as dioxins. This compound helps in studying signaling pathways related to immune regulation, xenobiotic metabolism, and inflammation. It is also utilized in cancer research to explore the role of AhR in tumor progression and to assess potential therapeutic interventions. Due to its specificity, it allows scientists to dissect AhR-dependent mechanisms without affecting other signaling pathways significantly.