Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of antimalarial drugs, particularly in the production of chloroquine and related derivatives. It serves as a building block in medicinal chemistry for constructing nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds with biological activity. Its aldehyde group allows for easy functionalization, enabling the development of various quinoline-based pharmaceuticals. Also explored in research for anticancer and antimicrobial agents due to the quinoline scaffold’s affinity for biological targets. Commonly employed in condensation reactions to form imines or undergo nucleophilic addition, facilitating the creation of more complex molecules in drug discovery.