RSL3 is primarily used in research to study ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. It works by inhibiting glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), a key enzyme that protects cells from oxidative damage. Researchers utilize RSL3 to induce ferroptosis in cellular models, helping to understand its mechanisms and its role in diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. This compound is particularly valuable in identifying potential therapeutic targets and developing treatments that modulate ferroptosis for disease intervention.