Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds. Its aldehyde functional group allows for easy modification, enabling the formation of imines, alcohols, or carboxylic acid derivatives. Commonly employed in the development of isoquinoline-based alkaloid analogs, which exhibit antimicrobial, antitumor, and central nervous system activities. Also utilized in the synthesis of fluorescent probes due to the inherent aromatic structure that supports light emission properties. Its derivatives are explored in medicinal chemistry for drug discovery targeting neurological and oncological pathways.