Used as a precursor in the synthesis of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands, this compound plays a key role in catalysis, particularly in transition metal-catalyzed reactions such as cross-coupling, olefin metathesis, and hydrogenation. The bulky dicyclohexyl and benzimidazole groups enhance steric and electronic stability of the resulting metal complexes, improving catalyst performance and selectivity. It is also employed in organocatalysis and materials science for developing functional ionic compounds and task-specific catalysts.