Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of isoquinoline-based bioactive compounds. Its aldehyde functional group allows for easy modification, enabling the formation of imines, oximes, or other derivatives important in drug development. Commonly employed in the preparation of antihypertensive agents and central nervous system modulators. Also utilized in the development of fluorescent probes due to its conjugated structure, which can enhance detection sensitivity in biochemical assays.