This compound is primarily utilized in research settings for its role as an autophagy inducer. It has shown potential in studying neurodegenerative diseases, as autophagy plays a critical role in clearing damaged proteins and cellular debris, which are often implicated in conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Additionally, it is used in cancer research to explore how autophagy modulation can affect tumor cell survival and response to therapies. Its application extends to understanding cellular stress responses and the mechanisms of cell death, making it a valuable tool in biomedical studies.