9-Nitroanthracene is primarily used in research and industrial applications as a precursor in the synthesis of various organic compounds. It is particularly valuable in the production of dyes and pigments due to its ability to introduce nitro groups into aromatic systems, which can then be further modified to create colorants with specific properties. Additionally, it serves as a key intermediate in the development of fluorescent markers and probes used in biological and chemical sensing. Its nitro group also makes it a useful compound in photochemical studies, where it can act as a photosensitizer or participate in light-induced reactions. In material science, it is explored for its potential in creating organic electronic materials, such as semiconductors or light-emitting diodes (LEDs), due to its conjugated aromatic structure.