Used as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of fluorescent dyes and photoresponsive materials. Its aldehyde functionality, protected as a diethyl acetal, allows for selective deprotection and further derivatization in multistep syntheses. Commonly employed in the development of stilbene-based optical brighteners and laser dyes due to its extended conjugated system. Also finds use in the synthesis of nonlinear optical materials and as a building block in pharmaceuticals where trans-stilbene scaffolds are required. Its stability under various reaction conditions makes it suitable for use in cross-coupling reactions and in the construction of complex aromatic systems.