Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, particularly in pharmaceutical research. It serves as a building block for developing isoquinoline-based molecules, which are commonly found in central nervous system agents, including potential antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-addiction drugs. The nitro group allows for further functionalization, enabling the introduction of amines or other substituents through reduction or substitution reactions. Its protected amine (Boc group) facilitates selective deprotection and coupling in multi-step syntheses, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating novel drug candidates.