Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of kinase inhibitors and other bioactive molecules. Its structure allows for selective functionalization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating compounds with potential anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities. Commonly employed in cross-coupling reactions such as Suzuki and Buchwald-Hartwig aminations to build complex heterocyclic systems found in drug candidates. Also utilized in research settings to develop new isoquinoline-based small molecules for biological screening and structure-activity relationship studies.