Used as an intermediate in the production of vat dyes, particularly for cotton and other cellulosic fibers, providing bright and durable shades of blue and green. Also employed in the synthesis of fluorescent brightening agents for textiles and paper. Its derivatives are valued in the manufacture of specialty dyes for plastics and coatings. Additionally, benzanthrone finds use in research and development of organic semiconductors and optoelectronic materials due to its extended aromatic structure.