Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of organic dyes and pigments, particularly in the production of near-infrared (NIR) absorbing dyes for imaging and photovoltaic applications. Its strong electron-withdrawing cyano and ester groups, combined with the electron-donating dimethylamino moiety, create a push-pull conjugated system ideal for light absorption in the visible to NIR range. Employed in the development of nonlinear optical materials and as a building block in the preparation of functional dyes for sensors and optoelectronic devices. Also explored in research for photodynamic therapy and as a sensitizer in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) due to its tunable absorption and good charge transfer properties.