Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antitumor and antimicrobial agents. Its structure allows for functionalization at multiple sites, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building complex quinoline-based molecules. It is also employed in the preparation of kinase inhibitors and other biologically active compounds targeting specific enzyme pathways. Due to the presence of reactive chloro and chloromethyl groups, it readily participates in substitution and coupling reactions, facilitating its incorporation into larger molecular frameworks. Its application extends to research settings for designing novel compounds with potential therapeutic activity.