Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of biologically active quinoline derivatives, particularly in the development of antimalarial and anticancer agents. Its structure allows for selective functionalization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building complex heterocyclic compounds. The bromoacetyl group enables easy nucleophilic substitution, facilitating conjugation with amines or thiols in drug design. Also employed in research for developing fluorescent probes due to the inherent photophysical properties of the quinoline core.