5-Bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl α-D-galactopyranoside is a substrate used in the differentiation of alpha-galactosidase enzyme. This is used to differentiate the presence of the galactosidase enzyme in yeasts, and bacteria species Bifido from Lactobacillus in the Enterobacteriaceae family.

5-Bromoindole is a heterocyclic building block and a potential GSK-3 inhibitor.

5-Bromoindole is used as a reagent for chemical synthesis. When reacted with 3-acetic acid it can be used with horseradish peroxidase to characterize in vivo for cancer gene therapy.

5-Bromoindole-2-carboxylic acid is a heterocyclic building block used to synthesize a variety of biochemical compounds. It was used in the discovery of indole inhibitors of MMP-13 and the synthesis of indolyl ethanones useful as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase inhibitors. Additionally, 5-Bromoindole-2-carboxylic acid is used to synthesize cis-diaminocyclohexane derivatives useful as Xa inhibitors as well as tubulin polymerization inhibitors and anticancer agents.

5-Bromoindole-2-carboxylic acid is a reagent used in chemical synthesis.

5-Chloroindole is researched for its use as an antidepressant, antiemetic, and anti-parkinson agent. It is useful in the synthesis of 5-chloro-tryptamine, which is an intermediate involved in the preparation of antihypertensive agents and tranquilizers.

5-Chloroindole-2-carboxylic acid is a reagent for chemical synthesis. It can also be used to reduce cholesterol concentration in blood.