It is used for a common cellulose assay and in the colorimetric determination of carbohydrates.

Some anthrone derivatives can be extracted from a variety of plants, including Rhamnus frangula, Aloe ferox, Rheum officinale, and Cassia senna.

[2] Glycosides of anthrone are also found in high amounts in rhubarb leaves, and alongside concentrated amounts of oxalic acid are the reason for the leaves being inedible.

[3] An alternative synthesis involves cyclization of o-benzylbenzoic acid induced with hydrogen fluoride.

[4] Anthrone condenses with glyoxal to give, following dehydrogenation, acedianthrone, a useful octacyclic pigment.