Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of liquid crystal materials, especially for display technologies. Its molecular structure supports mesogenic properties, making it valuable in the development of thermotropic liquid crystals. It is also employed in photochemical studies due to its light-responsive azoxy group, enabling applications in optical switches and photoresponsive polymers. Additionally, it serves as a building block in organic synthesis for azobenzene derivatives, which are explored in smart materials and molecular machines.