Used as a photoresponsive building block in smart materials, enabling light-triggered changes in molecular structure for applications in optical data storage and photonic devices. Its ability to undergo reversible trans-cis isomerization upon light exposure makes it valuable in designing light-controlled switches, actuators, and sensors. Commonly employed in supramolecular chemistry and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to introduce photoresponsiveness, allowing modulation of porosity and guest binding through light stimulation. Also applied in liquid crystal systems to manipulate alignment and phase transitions using light. Investigated for controlled drug delivery systems where light can trigger release mechanisms.