Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of quinoline-based pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antimalarial and anticancer agents. Its electrophilic nature allows for nucleophilic substitution reactions, making it valuable in constructing complex heterocyclic systems. Also employed in the preparation of dyes and fluorescent probes due to its conjugated structure and electron-withdrawing groups. Commonly utilized in research settings for structure-activity relationship studies in medicinal chemistry.