Used in pharmaceutical research as a key intermediate in the synthesis of potent antitumor agents, particularly in the development of tubulin polymerization inhibitors. Shows activity against multidrug-resistant cancer cell lines by disrupting microtubule dynamics. Also employed in the design of fluorescent probes for cellular imaging due to its strong emission properties in organic solvents. Investigated for its potential in targeted cancer therapies owing to selective cytotoxicity toward malignant cells.