Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of benzodiazepine receptor agonists and anxiolytic agents. It serves as a building block in medicinal chemistry for creating imidazopyridine-based drugs, which are known for their central nervous system activity. Commonly employed in research for designing novel therapeutics targeting insomnia, anxiety, and seizure disorders due to its favorable binding affinity with GABA receptors. Also utilized in the preparation of kinase inhibitors and other bioactive molecules in preclinical drug discovery.