Used in the synthesis of bioactive compounds, particularly in pharmaceutical research for developing potential antimicrobial and antiparasitic agents. It serves as a key intermediate in constructing quinoline-based drug candidates due to its ability to undergo selective functionalization. Its nitro and amino groups allow for diverse chemical modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for optimizing drug potency and selectivity. Also explored in the development of fluorescent probes and sensors owing to the inherent quinoline fluorescence properties when appropriately derivatized.