Used in organic synthesis as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds. Serves as a building block in the preparation of indole-based derivatives with potential antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer activities. Employed in research for developing novel heterocyclic compounds due to its reactive halogen sites and carboxylic acid functionality, enabling coupling and substitution reactions. Also utilized in the study of brominated indoles found in marine natural products, aiding in the synthesis of analogs for biological evaluation.