Ethyl 4-hydroxyquinoline-6-carboxylate is primarily utilized in the field of organic synthesis, where it serves as a key intermediate in the production of various pharmacologically active compounds. Its structure is particularly valuable in the development of quinolone-based antibiotics, which are widely used to treat bacterial infections. Additionally, this compound is employed in the synthesis of fluorescent dyes and sensors, leveraging its unique photophysical properties for applications in bioimaging and analytical chemistry. Its role in the creation of coordination complexes is also notable, as it can act as a ligand in the development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and catalysts.