Used in research settings for studying nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, particularly the α4β2 subtype, due to its high affinity and selectivity. It serves as a tool compound in neuroscience to investigate receptor function and signaling pathways involved in addiction, cognition, and mood regulation. Its labeled form (e.g., tritiated or fluorescent) enables precise receptor binding assays and autoradiography in tissue samples. Not intended for therapeutic use; primarily applied in preclinical studies to support drug development for neurological and psychiatric disorders.