Used primarily as a monomer in polymer synthesis, 2-vinylquinoline imparts thermal stability and coordination ability to copolymers. It is incorporated into specialty resins and functional polymers for use in optical materials and sensors due to its fluorescence properties. Its nitrogen-containing heterocyclic structure enables metal ion binding, making it useful in chelating resins for catalysis or environmental remediation. Additionally, it serves as a building block in synthesizing pharmaceutical intermediates and bioactive compounds.