Used primarily in the research and development of antimalarial drugs due to its structural similarity to chloroquine. It serves as a key intermediate in synthesizing compounds that target chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Its derivatives are also investigated for potential antiviral and anticancer activities, particularly in modulating lysosomal function and autophagy in cancer cells. Additionally, it has been explored in studies on drug resistance mechanisms in parasitic diseases.