Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antimalarial and anticancer agents. Its structure allows for functionalization at multiple sites, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building quinoline-based bioactive molecules. It is also employed in the preparation of fluorescent probes and dyes due to its conjugated aromatic system. In research, it serves as a building block for heterocyclic compounds with potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.