What is "benzanthrone"

n. (context organic compound English) A polycyclic aromatic ketone, ''7-oxobenz(de)anthracene'', that is used in the manufacture of anthraquinone dyes

Benzanthrone (BZA) is an aromatic hydrocarbon derivate used as a dyestuff intermediate for anthraquinone-based dyes. It has the appearance of a light yellow to brown-green powder with melting point of 170 °C. It is insoluble in water and soluble in alcohol.

It is a basic substance with fluorescent and luminescent properties. It can be used for photosensitization, and as a charge transport material. 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.