Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of anxiolytic and sedative agents. It serves as a building block for compounds that act as positive allosteric modulators of GABA_A receptors, which are targeted in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and epilepsy. Its structure allows for efficient derivatization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for optimizing drug candidates. Also employed in research settings to explore new bioactive molecules within the imidazopyridine class, known for favorable pharmacokinetic properties and CNS activity.