Used primarily in organic synthesis, this compound serves as a key intermediate for introducing the anthracene moiety into more complex molecules. Its reactive bromomethyl group readily undergoes substitution reactions, making it valuable in the preparation of fluorescent dyes and polymers with optoelectronic properties. It is also employed in the synthesis of covalent organic frameworks and molecular sensors, where the anthracene unit acts as a luminescent probe. Additionally, it finds use in photochemical studies and the development of organic semiconductors due to the extended pi-conjugation system inherent in anthracene.