This compound is primarily utilized in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries due to its unique structural properties. In pharmaceuticals, it serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various drugs, particularly those targeting infectious diseases and inflammation. Its quinoline core structure is often incorporated into molecules designed to inhibit specific enzymes or receptors, enhancing therapeutic efficacy.

In agrochemicals, it is employed in the development of pesticides and herbicides. The trifluoromethyl group enhances the compound's ability to interact with biological targets in pests and weeds, improving its effectiveness as a crop protection agent. Additionally, its chemical stability and reactivity make it a valuable building block in organic synthesis for creating more complex molecules with specific biological activities.