Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) agents. It serves in the preparation of bioactive molecules such as dopamine receptor modulators and compounds with potential antipsychotic or antihypertensive activity. Its structure allows for selective functionalization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for constructing complex isoquinoline-based therapeutics. Also employed in research settings to design and optimize new drug candidates targeting neurological disorders.