Necrostatin 2 racemate is primarily used in research to study necroptosis, a form of programmed cell death. It acts as an inhibitor of RIPK1, a key kinase involved in the necroptosis pathway. Researchers utilize this compound to explore the mechanisms and implications of necroptosis in various diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, ischemic injuries, and inflammatory conditions. By blocking RIPK1, it helps in understanding the role of necroptosis in tissue damage and disease progression, providing insights for potential therapeutic strategies. It is also employed in experimental models to assess the protective effects of inhibiting necroptosis in cellular and animal studies.