Naphthalene-1,4-dicarbonitrile is primarily used in the synthesis of organic compounds, particularly in the production of dyes and pigments. Its structure makes it a valuable intermediate in creating materials with specific optical properties, such as those used in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and other electronic devices. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the development of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, where its nitrile groups can be further modified to introduce functional groups essential for biological activity. In research, it is often employed in the study of charge transfer complexes and as a precursor for advanced materials with potential applications in sensors and photovoltaics.