Used as a fluorescent probe in chemical sensing due to its strong emission properties. It detects trace amounts of nitroaromatic explosives like TNT through fluorescence quenching. Also employed in photochemical studies as a model compound for energy transfer and electron transfer processes. Its conjugated structure makes it suitable for organic optoelectronic applications, including organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and sensors. Reacts selectively with thiols, enabling its use in bioimaging and detection of biological nucleophiles.