Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of fluorescent dyes and optical brighteners due to its extended aromatic structure and electron-withdrawing groups. Its nitro and cyano functionalities make it suitable for nucleophilic substitution reactions, particularly in the development of naphthalene-based dyes for textiles and paper. Also employed in research for organic semiconductors and photovoltaic materials, where its conjugated system aids in electron transport. Shows potential in coordination chemistry as a ligand precursor for metal-organic frameworks with optoelectronic properties.