Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, particularly in the production of advanced pharmaceutical agents with antibacterial activity. Its structure allows for functionalization at multiple sites, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for developing compounds that target DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV in bacteria. Commonly employed in research and industrial settings to prepare quinolone derivatives with improved potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic profiles. Also utilized in the development of new drug candidates for treating resistant bacterial infections.