Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of antimalarial drugs, particularly in the development of quinoline-based derivatives. It serves as a building block for modifying the quinoline core to enhance biological activity against Plasmodium species. Also employed in research for developing new antimicrobial and anticancer agents due to its ability to interact with cellular enzymes and DNA. Its benzyl-protected hydroxyl group allows selective reactions in multi-step organic syntheses, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating targeted drug candidates.