This chemical is primarily used in the development of photochromic materials, which change color when exposed to light. It is commonly incorporated into lenses for sunglasses and eyeglasses, allowing them to darken in bright sunlight and return to a clear state indoors. Additionally, it finds applications in smart windows, which adjust their opacity based on light intensity, improving energy efficiency in buildings. It is also utilized in optical data storage systems and photonic devices due to its light-responsive properties. In research, it serves as a model compound for studying photochromic reactions and molecular switches.