Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of quinoline-based pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antimalarial and anticancer agents. Its structure supports metal chelation, making it useful in catalysis and in the design of enzyme inhibitors. Also employed in research for developing fluorescent probes due to the inherent photophysical properties of the quinoline core. Its amino and carboxylic functional groups allow for easy modification, enabling use in combinatorial chemistry and drug discovery.