Used primarily in research to study bacterial riboswitches, it specifically targets the flavin mononucleotide (FMN) riboswitch in bacteria, making it a valuable tool for understanding gene regulation mechanisms. By binding to the riboswitch, it inhibits the synthesis of essential metabolites, providing insights into bacterial metabolism and potential pathways for antibiotic development. Its role in disrupting bacterial growth has also sparked interest in exploring its potential as a novel antibacterial agent, particularly against resistant strains. Additionally, it serves as a model compound for designing synthetic riboswitch inhibitors, aiding in the development of new therapeutic strategies.