Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of kinase inhibitors and central nervous system agents. Its structure supports the creation of complex heterocyclic compounds with biological activity. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to the bromine atom allowing further functionalization via cross-coupling reactions like Suzuki or Buchwald-Hartwig. Also utilized in the preparation of fluorescent probes and imaging agents owing to the inherent fluorescence of the isoquinoline core when appropriately substituted.