A Review on anthracene and its derivatives: applications

Abstract

In this review article, we report applications of anthracene derivatives and the structure-activity relationships of these compounds. The anthracene chromophore plays a prominent role in the development of organic photochemistry. Anthracene derivatives have been extensively investigated in many fields, e.g., material chemistry, thermochromic or photochromic chemistry and organic light-emitting devices. Moreover, anthracenes have been used in optical, electronic and magnetic switches. In biological systems, anthracene skeletal compounds are also useful for probing DNA cleavage. In medicinal field the anthracene derivatives act as good anti-cancerous drugs and they are carcinogenic to many living beings.