Used as a fluorescent whitening agent in detergents and textiles due to its ability to absorb ultraviolet light and emit blue visible light, enhancing the brightness and perceived cleanliness of fabrics. Also employed in the formulation of optical brighteners for paper and plastics. Serves as a model compound in photochemical studies and in the development of organic luminescent materials for sensors and light-emitting devices. Its rigid aromatic structure makes it useful in liquid crystal formulations and as a building block in supramolecular chemistry.