2-Acetylanthracene is primarily utilized in organic synthesis and research applications. It serves as a key intermediate in the preparation of various anthracene derivatives, which are valuable in the development of organic electronic materials. These materials are often employed in the fabrication of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and photovoltaic cells due to their unique electronic properties. Additionally, 2-Acetylanthracene is used in photochemical studies to investigate reaction mechanisms and photophysical properties, making it a useful compound in the field of photochemistry. Its role in synthesizing fluorescent dyes and pigments also highlights its importance in material science and industrial applications.