Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of coumarin-based derivatives with biological activity, including anticoagulants, antimicrobials, and fluorescent dyes. Its aldehyde and hydroxyl functional groups allow for easy modification in organic reactions, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry and materials science. Commonly employed in the development of sensors and optical devices due to the inherent fluorescence of the coumarin scaffold. Also investigated for use in photodynamic therapy and as a building block in natural product synthesis.