Used in organic synthesis as a fluorescent probe due to its strong emission properties, 9-cyanoanthracene is particularly valuable in studying electron transfer processes and photochemical reactions. Its electron-deficient nature makes it suitable as an acceptor in donor-acceptor systems for organic electronics, including organic photovoltaics and light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). It is also employed in the development of sensors for detecting aromatic amines and other nucleophiles, where the cyano group reacts selectively, leading to measurable changes in fluorescence. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the preparation of functionalized anthracene derivatives for use in materials science and supramolecular chemistry.