Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of antimalarial drugs. 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 kinase inhibitors and other therapeutic agents targeting infectious diseases and inflammation. Due to the presence of reactive aldehyde and chlorine groups, it readily undergoes condensation and substitution reactions, facilitating its incorporation into more complex drug candidates.