The titled compound studied spectroscopically by UV–visible, FT-IR, FT-Raman in addition to quantum chemically through a density functional approach. B3LYP hybrid function/6-311++G (d, p) basis-set utilizes to optimize structure as well as determine normal modes of vibrations. Time-dependent density functional theory together with PCM solvent model applied for various electronic properties (in gas-phase, methanol, acetone, ethanol, DMSO), correlated with experimental UV–Vis spectra. HOMO-LUMO energy outcomes highlight charge transfer that happened inside the molecule. The Fukui functions, molecular electrostatic potential surface, mulliken atomic charge distribution, and NBO analysis confirm reactive and bioactive nature. All non-linear optical action of 1,8 DHAQ was measured through a similar basis set. All quantum chemical computational efforts have completed via Gaussian 09W application software with Gauss-View 6.0.6. The outcomes recommend that hydroxy-substituted Anthraquinone dye can be a good candidate for an optoelectronics, photonics, and pharmaceuticals industries.