Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of naphthoxanthenes and other polycyclic aromatic compounds. It serves as a building block in the development of fluorescent dyes and optoelectronic materials due to its extended conjugation and ability to form stable derivatives. Also employed in the synthesis of biologically active molecules, including potential pharmaceutical agents targeting cancer and microbial infections. Its aldehyde and ether functional groups allow for diverse chemical modifications, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry and materials science research.