Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of isoquinoline-based compounds with potential biological activity. Its structure allows for further functionalization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating kinase inhibitors and central nervous system agents. Commonly employed in research settings to build complex heterocyclic systems for drug discovery. Also utilized in the preparation of fluorescent probes due to the inherent photophysical properties of the isoquinoline core.