Used primarily in research and development, 3,6-Dimethylphenanthrene serves as a key compound in the study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Its structure makes it valuable for investigating environmental pollution, particularly in understanding the behavior and effects of PAHs in ecosystems. It is also utilized in organic synthesis to create more complex molecules for pharmaceutical and material science applications. Additionally, it acts as a reference standard in analytical chemistry for identifying and quantifying similar compounds in environmental samples.