Used as a photoswitchable ligand in supramolecular chemistry and materials science due to its azobenzene core, enabling reversible trans-cis isomerization upon light exposure. This property makes it valuable in designing light-responsive systems such as molecular machines, smart polymers, and photocontrolled catalysts. Its carboxylic acid functional groups allow for coordination with metal ions or attachment to surfaces, making it suitable for metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) or surface-bound photoresponsive coatings. Also explored in drug delivery systems where light triggers structural changes to release active compounds.