Used as a precursor in the synthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) analogs, which are important in biochemical and pharmaceutical research. It serves as a building block in the development of enzyme cofactor mimics, particularly in redox reactions involving dehydrogenases. Its structural features make it suitable for studying electron transfer processes and designing inhibitors or activators in metabolic pathways. Also employed in the preparation of ionic liquids for catalytic applications due to its stable pyridinium core and solubility properties.