Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of quinolone antibiotics, particularly in the production of fluoroquinolones which exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Its structure serves as a foundational scaffold for introducing various substituents that enhance antimicrobial potency, pharmacokinetics, and target specificity. Commonly utilized in pharmaceutical research and development for designing new anti-infective agents targeting DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV in bacteria. Also employed in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to optimize drug candidates.