Used primarily in research settings as a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with potential applications in the study of carcinogenic compounds and environmental pollutants. It serves as a model compound for investigating the metabolic activation and DNA-binding properties of mutagenic and tumorigenic substances. Due to its structural similarity to other known carcinogens, it is employed in toxicological studies to assess mechanisms of cellular damage and mutagenesis. Additionally, it may be used in the development and calibration of analytical methods for detecting trace levels of hazardous aromatic compounds in environmental and biological samples.