Used as a fluorescent probe in biological imaging due to its strong lipophilicity and boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY)-like structure. It readily incorporates into cell membranes, particularly in lipid-rich environments, allowing long-term tracking of membrane dynamics with minimal photobleaching. Its extended conjugation system enables excitation in the far-red to near-infrared range, making it suitable for deep-tissue imaging with low background interference. Commonly employed in live-cell imaging, it can label organelles such as mitochondria and lysosomes when functionalized with targeting moieties. Also investigated for use in photodynamic therapy due to its ability to generate reactive oxygen species upon light activation.