Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of biologically active quinoline derivatives, particularly in pharmaceutical research. It plays a role in developing compounds with potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. The benzyloxy and oxo functional groups allow for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in constructing complex heterocyclic systems for drug discovery. Also employed in the preparation of fluorescent dyes and sensors due to the inherent photophysical properties of the quinoline scaffold.