Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of antiviral and antibacterial agents. Its halogenated structure allows for selective cross-coupling reactions, making it valuable in constructing complex quinoline-based molecules. It is also employed in research settings to design kinase inhibitors and other biologically active compounds due to its ability to interact with specific enzyme targets. The presence of multiple halogens enables stepwise functionalization, offering flexibility in medicinal chemistry optimization.