Benzanthrone (BZA) is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.

[1] Its derivatives are used as a dyestuff intermediate for anthraquinone-based dyes.

It is prepared by reduction of anthroquinone to anthrone followed by alkylation with a mixture of glycerol and sulfuric acid.

It is a basic substance with fluorescent and luminescent properties.

It is also used in pyrotechnics industry, mainly as a component of some older formulations of green and yellow colored smokes, often together with Vat Yellow 4; its US military specification is MIL-D-50074D.