Used as a building block in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), enabling applications in gas storage and separation due to its rigid, linear structure and nitrogen donor sites. Also employed in supramolecular chemistry for constructing coordination polymers with luminescent or catalytic properties. Its pyridyl groups facilitate strong interactions with metal ions, making it valuable in designing functional materials for sensors and porous materials. Additionally, it serves as a ligand in catalysis and has been explored in photoresponsive systems owing to its ethylene bridge that can undergo isomerization.