Used primarily as a key intermediate in the synthesis of vitamin A and related retinoids. It serves as a building block in the industrial production of retinol (vitamin A), which is essential in pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and skincare products. Its conjugated polyene structure with terminal hydroxyl groups allows for selective chemical modifications, making it valuable in creating analogs for research in cell differentiation, vision health, and cancer therapy. Also utilized in the preparation of fragrance compounds and in studies involving light-sensitive molecules due to its extended pi-electron system.