Imidazole ketone erastin is primarily used in research settings to study ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. It serves as a potent inducer of ferroptosis, making it a valuable tool for investigating the mechanisms underlying this process in various cell types, including cancer cells. Researchers utilize it to explore the role of ferroptosis in disease models, particularly in cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Its application helps in identifying potential therapeutic targets and developing strategies to modulate ferroptosis for treatment purposes. Additionally, it aids in screening compounds that can either inhibit or enhance ferroptosis, contributing to drug discovery efforts.