Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of functional porous organic frameworks, particularly in the development of imidazole-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for catalysis and gas adsorption. Its multiple imidazole and aldehyde groups enable coordination with metal ions or participation in dynamic covalent chemistry, making it valuable in designing stimuli-responsive materials. Also applied in the construction of chemosensors due to the ligand properties of imidazole units, allowing selective detection of metal ions in environmental and biological systems.