Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the preparation of polycyclic aromatic compounds and dyes. It serves as a precursor in the synthesis of fluorescent materials and is involved in the development of certain pharmaceuticals. Due to its aromatic structure, it is also utilized in research settings for studying carcinogenic compounds and metabolic activation pathways. Commonly employed in the formation of fluoranthene derivatives, which have applications in materials science, including organic semiconductors and optoelectronic devices.