Used primarily in the synthesis of antimalarial drugs, particularly as a key intermediate in the production of 8-aminoquinoline derivatives like primaquine and tafenoquine. These compounds are critical for treating liver-stage malaria parasites, including dormant forms of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale, helping prevent relapses. Also investigated for its potential in developing new antimicrobial and antiparasitic agents due to its ability to intercalate into biological structures and modulate enzyme activity. Its carboxylic acid functionality allows for easy derivatization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating compound libraries aimed at targeting infectious diseases.