Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of quinolone-based pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antimicrobial and antitumor agents. Its structure supports the construction of bioactive molecules by enabling further functionalization at key positions on the quinoline ring. Commonly employed in research settings for designing novel compounds with potential activity against resistant bacterial strains and certain cancer cell lines. Also utilized in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its electron-withdrawing nitro and chloro substituents, which influence reactivity and binding affinity.