Used primarily in microbiology as a selective agent to differentiate Streptococcus pneumoniae from other alpha-hemolytic streptococci. When applied to bacterial cultures, it inhibits the growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae, allowing for its identification in clinical and laboratory settings. This application is crucial in diagnosing and studying bacterial infections, particularly in respiratory samples. Additionally, it has been explored for its potential antimicrobial properties in research contexts, though its primary use remains in diagnostic microbiology.