(S)-(-)-5-Fluorowillardiine is primarily used in neuroscience research as a selective agonist for certain glutamate receptors, particularly the AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) subtype. Its application is significant in studying synaptic transmission and plasticity, as it helps researchers understand the role of glutamate receptors in neuronal signaling. This compound is also utilized in pharmacological studies to investigate the effects of receptor activation on neuronal excitability and to explore potential therapeutic targets for neurological disorders such as epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, and cognitive impairments. Additionally, its fluorinated structure makes it a valuable tool in radiolabeling experiments for imaging and tracking receptor activity in the brain.