Used as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of functionalized bipyridine ligands for coordination chemistry. These ligands are essential in catalysis, especially in transition metal-catalyzed reactions such as cross-coupling and oxidation processes. Also employed in the development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and supramolecular architectures due to its ability to chelate metal ions. Finds application in the design of photoactive complexes and sensors, where the ester groups can be further modified to tune electronic properties. Its derivatization is common in materials science for creating luminescent complexes and electroactive components in devices like OLEDs and solar cells.