Used primarily in pharmaceutical research as a potent and selective antagonist of the GABAA receptor, particularly targeting α5 subunit-containing receptors. This compound shows promise in the development of cognitive enhancers due to its ability to modulate synaptic transmission involved in learning and memory. It has been investigated for potential therapeutic applications in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and age-related cognitive decline. Its structural specificity allows for reduced sedative effects commonly associated with GABAA modulators, making it a valuable tool in studying receptor subtype functions and developing anxiolytic or nootropic drugs with improved safety profiles.