Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of liquid crystal materials, particularly in the production of rod-like mesogenic compounds for display technologies. Its aldehyde functional group allows for condensation reactions, enabling the formation of imines or other derivatives that contribute to mesophase stability. The flexible heptyloxy chain enhances solubility and influences the clearing point and viscosity in final liquid crystal formulations. Also employed in organic synthesis for creating specialty surfactants and photoresponsive materials due to its amphiphilic structure and reactivity.