Used in scientific research as a selective agonist for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, particularly the α4β2 and α7 subtypes, aiding in the study of neurological pathways related to addiction, cognition, and neurodegenerative diseases. It serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of derivatives for pharmacological testing. Also utilized in radiolabeled form for receptor binding assays and neuroimaging studies. Shows potential in developing treatments for nicotine dependence due to its structural similarity to cytisine.