Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of quinoline-based pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds. Its nitrile and quaternary nitrogen functionalities make it valuable in constructing nitrogen-containing heterocycles for medicinal chemistry. Commonly employed in reactions such as nucleophilic additions and cyclizations to develop potential antitumor, antimicrobial, or anti-inflammatory agents. Also utilized in materials science for developing organic semiconductors and fluorescent probes due to its conjugated structure and ionic character.