Anthrone is widely used in analytical chemistry for the detection and quantification of carbohydrates. It reacts with sugars under acidic conditions to produce a blue-green color, making it valuable in colorimetric assays. This reaction is commonly employed to measure total carbohydrate content in biological samples, such as plant extracts, food products, and bodily fluids.

It also serves as a precursor in the synthesis of dyes and pigments, particularly anthraquinone derivatives, which are important in textile and paper industries for their vibrant and stable colors. Additionally, anthrone finds use in the pharmaceutical field as an intermediate in the preparation of certain laxatives, where it undergoes oxidation to form active compounds that stimulate bowel movements.

In research, anthrone is utilized in the development of fluorescent probes and sensors due to its ability to exhibit fluorescence under UV light, enabling its application in biochemical imaging and detection methods.