Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of kinase inhibitors and antiviral agents. Its structure allows for selective modification in drug design, enabling the introduction of imidazole functionality into complex molecules. Commonly employed in cross-coupling reactions, such as Suzuki or Heck reactions, due to the presence of the iodide group, facilitating carbon-carbon bond formation. Also utilized in the preparation of protease inhibitors and in medicinal chemistry research for building nitrogen-containing heterocycles.