Used in organic synthesis as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents and kinase inhibitors. Serves as a building block in the preparation of bioactive molecules due to its nitrogen-containing heterocyclic structure. Also employed in research settings for the design of fluorescent probes and imaging agents owing to the inherent photophysical properties of the isoquinoline core. Its derivatives show potential in medicinal chemistry for anticancer and antimicrobial applications.