Anthrone is primarily used as an intermediate in the synthesis of dyes and pigments, especially anthraquinone-based colorants which are widely employed in the textile and printing industries. It also serves as a reagent in analytical chemistry for the detection and estimation of carbohydrates, particularly in the determination of pentoses and hexoses through colorimetric methods. In research, anthrone derivatives are explored for their potential biological activities, including antimicrobial and anticancer properties, making them of interest in pharmaceutical development. Additionally, anthrone compounds are used in the production of certain types of fluorescent dyes and optical brighteners for paper and detergent industries.