Used primarily in scientific research as a selective dopamine reuptake inhibitor, this compound is valuable in studying the dopamine transporter (DAT) system. It serves as a key pharmacological tool for understanding neurotransmitter regulation in the brain, particularly in models related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), addiction, and other central nervous system disorders. Due to its high affinity and selectivity for the dopamine transporter, it is employed in binding assays and neurochemical studies to evaluate the function and distribution of DAT in brain tissues. Its structural properties also make it a reference compound in the development of novel psychoactive drugs and imaging agents targeting monoamine transporters.