The present application relates to a novel phthalonitrile compound and a use thereof. The phthalonitrile compound has a novel structure and can exhibit excellent effects in a use known for which a phthalonitrile compound can be applied. The use of the phthalonitrile compound can be exemplified by a material or a precursor such as a phthalonitrile resin, a phthalonitrile dye, a fluorescent whitening agent, a photographic sensitizer, or an acid anhydride.