Ethyl 5-bromoquinoline-3-carboxylate is primarily used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds. Its quinoline structure makes it valuable for constructing complex molecules with potential therapeutic applications. It is often employed in the synthesis of anti-malarial and anti-cancer agents, as quinoline derivatives are known for their biological activity. Additionally, this compound serves as a building block in the preparation of heterocyclic compounds, which are essential in medicinal chemistry for drug discovery and development. Its bromo and ester functional groups allow for further chemical modifications, enabling the creation of diverse derivatives for research and industrial purposes.