Used as a fluorescent whitening agent in detergents and textiles to enhance brightness and whiteness by absorbing UV light and emitting blue fluorescence. Also applied in optical brighteners for paper and plastics. Serves as an intermediate in organic synthesis for photoresponsive materials due to its trans-cis isomerization under light exposure. Employed in research on luminescent compounds, light-harvesting systems, and high-performance optical materials for applications such as LEDs and light sensors.