Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of fluorescent dyes and optical brighteners due to its ability to form conjugated Schiff base structures. Its dual aldehyde and hydroxyl groups enable chelation with metal ions, making it suitable for developing chemosensors for detecting trace metals in environmental and biological systems. Also employed in the preparation of nonlinear optical materials and organic semiconductors, where its extended π-conjugation enhances electron delocalization. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the fabrication of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with potential applications in catalysis and gas sensing.