Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antiparasitic and antiviral agents. The bromine substituent at the 5-position facilitates further functionalization through cross-coupling reactions, such as copper- or palladium-catalyzed couplings with aryl or heteroaryl groups, to construct more complex benzimidazole derivatives. It serves as a building block in medicinal chemistry for biologically active molecules due to its benzimidazole core with N-phenyl substitution, which is known for interacting with various enzymes and receptors. Commonly employed in research for designing kinase inhibitors, antimicrobial compounds, and anti-inflammatory agents. Also utilized in the preparation of fluorescent probes for biochemical assays owing to its favorable photophysical properties.