Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of fluorescent dyes and optical brighteners due to its aldehyde and hydroxyl functional groups, which allow for easy modification and conjugation. It is also employed in the development of sensors for metal ions, particularly aluminum and zinc, leveraging its ability to chelate metals and produce detectable fluorescence changes. Additionally, it serves as a building block in pharmaceutical research, especially in the design of bioactive molecules and heterocyclic compounds with potential antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties. Its structural features make it valuable in organic synthesis for constructing complex aromatic frameworks.