Used in polymer chemistry as a crosslinking agent or photoreactive monomer due to the anthracene group’s ability to undergo [4+2] cycloaddition upon UV irradiation. Enables the formation of light-sensitive polymers for applications in photo-patterning, lithography, and smart coatings. Also employed in the development of stimuli-responsive materials and polymer networks that can be reversibly crosslinked or degraded using light. Its reactivity allows for surface modification and immobilization in thin films or hydrogels where controlled structural changes are required.