This compound is primarily utilized in biochemical research as a selective aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist. It is often employed in studies to investigate the AhR signaling pathway, which plays a critical role in the regulation of xenobiotic metabolism, immune responses, and cellular differentiation. Researchers use it to induce the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP1A1 and CYP1A2, to study their function in drug metabolism and toxicity. Additionally, it serves as a tool compound in toxicology and environmental science to assess the impact of AhR activation by environmental pollutants. Its bromomethyl group allows for potential conjugation or modification, making it valuable in the development of probes or inhibitors for further mechanistic studies.