Used primarily in the synthesis of cyanine dyes, which are crucial in various imaging and diagnostic applications. These dyes are employed in fluorescence microscopy, DNA detection, and bioimaging due to their strong light absorption and emission properties. Additionally, it serves as an intermediate in the production of sensitizers for photographic films and papers. In research, it is utilized to develop novel organic compounds with potential applications in optoelectronics and photovoltaics. Its derivatives are also explored for use in light-harvesting materials and as sensors for detecting specific molecules in analytical chemistry.