This compound, known as 5,6-dimethyl-1-β-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (α-ribazole), serves as a key intermediate in the chemical and biosynthetic synthesis of vitamin B12 (cobalamin). It is essential for attaching the dimethylbenzimidazole base to the ribose moiety in the corrin ring structure of cobalamin. Primarily used in pharmaceutical and biochemical research for producing vitamin B12 supplements and therapeutics, it supports treatments for B12 deficiency-related conditions such as pernicious anemia and neurological disorders. Its role is niche in organic synthesis, particularly for vitamin production, rather than direct therapeutic application.