Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of anthracycline antibiotics, which are important in cancer treatment. It plays a role in the production of chemotherapeutic agents due to its structural similarity to active components in drugs like doxorubicin and daunorubicin. Its reduced quinone structure allows for further chemical modifications essential in pharmaceutical development. Also utilized in research settings to study anthraquinone-based compounds for potential biological activity, including antitumor and antimicrobial properties.