Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, particularly in the development of biologically active compounds. Its α,β-unsaturated aldehyde structure enables participation in conjugate addition reactions, making it valuable in constructing complex organic molecules. Commonly employed in the preparation of heterocyclic compounds and as a building block in medicinal chemistry for drug discovery. Also utilized in research settings for the design of fluorescent probes and dyes due to its conjugated system that can be tailored for specific optical properties.