Used as a highly stable ionic liquid in catalytic reactions, particularly in cross-coupling and palladium-catalyzed transformations. Its bulky aromatic substituents provide excellent thermal stability and enhance solubility in nonpolar media, making it suitable for biphasic reaction systems. Commonly employed as a precursor to N-heterocyclic carbene ligands, facilitating efficient metal coordination in homogeneous catalysis. Also applied in electrochemical studies due to its wide electrochemical window and low volatility.