Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antiprotozoal and antimicrobial agents. Its structure supports derivatization for targeting parasitic infections, including those caused by anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoa. It is also employed in research settings to explore new bioactive molecules due to its nitroimidazole core, which can undergo redox reactions in biological systems. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the preparation of more complex imidazole-based compounds with potential therapeutic applications.