Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of sulfa-based pharmaceuticals, particularly loop diuretics such as furosemide and related compounds. It plays a key role in developing drugs for treating hypertension, edema, and congestive heart failure due to its ability to form the core anthranilic acid structure that inhibits the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. Its halogen substituents facilitate selective nucleophilic substitution for enhancing drug activity. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for optimizing diuretic potency and selectivity.