Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of tetracycline antibiotics, this compound plays a key role in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It is involved in the production of semi-synthetic tetracyclines, which are modified to enhance antimicrobial activity, improve stability, or overcome bacterial resistance. Due to its structural similarity to tetracycline, it can also serve in research settings for studying antibiotic mechanisms and resistance patterns. Its hydrochloride form improves solubility, making it suitable for use in aqueous-based synthesis and purification processes in antibiotic development.