Used as a specialty organic building block in the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and porous organic polymers. Its rigid terphenyl backbone and functional ester groups allow for controlled derivatization, making it valuable in designing luminescent materials and sensors. The methyl substituents enhance solubility and influence packing in solid-state structures, which is beneficial in crystal engineering. Also employed in the development of high-performance ligands for catalysis due to its steric and electronic properties.