2,6-Dichloro-5-fluoro-3-pyridinecarbonitrile (CAS number 82671-02-1), also referred to as 2,6-dichloro-3-cyano-5-fluoropyridine, is derived from pyridine with two chlorides, a fluoride and a nitrile substituents. The most recognized reaction using 2,6-dichloro-5-fluoro-3-pyridinecarbonitrile is the synthesis of Gemifloxacin, an oral broad-spectrum antibiotic. Other than Gemifloxacin, 2,6-dichloro-5-fluoro-3-pyridinecarbonitrile is also a molecular scaffold for 1,8-naphthyridine derivatives including Enoxacin, Trovafloxacin and Tosufloxacin. 2,6-Dichloro-5-fluoro-3-pyridinecarbonitrile enables facile synthesis of a wide range of fluoroquinolone derivatives with different building blocks for reducing the side effects of medication and expanding the medical applications.