Used primarily as a key intermediate in the synthesis of anxiolytic and sedative pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of non-benzodiazepine hypnotics such as zolpidem and related imidazopyridine derivatives. Its structure enables selective binding to central nervous system receptors, specifically as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA_A receptors, making it valuable in developing drugs that modulate GABAergic activity for anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic effects. It is also employed in research settings for the development of novel imidazopyridine-based therapeutics with improved pharmacokinetic profiles. Additionally, it serves as a building block in medicinal chemistry for creating compounds with potential hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties, and may be used as a reference standard in analytical chemistry for quality control.