Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of functional dyes, particularly in the production of near-infrared fluorescent dyes for bioimaging applications. Its strong electron-withdrawing nature and conjugated structure make it suitable for developing dyes with high sensitivity and selectivity in biological detection systems. Also employed in the preparation of nonlinear optical materials due to its extended π-conjugation and polarizability. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the development of organic semiconductors and photovoltaic materials where charge transfer properties are essential.