Phenanthrene and Its Derivatives: Synthetic Pathways Spanning Modern Catalytic Methodologies and Classical Approaches Publisher



Asadi M ; Yazzaf R ; Mahdavi M
Source: Journal of Organometallic Chemistry Published:2026

Abstract

Phenanthrene, a tricyclic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, is a privileged structural motif widely encountered in natural products, pharmaceuticals, and functional organic materials. Owing to its rigid π-conjugated framework and distinctive electronic properties, phenanthrene and its derivatives have attracted significant attention in medicinal chemistry, materials science, and chemical biology. Numerous natural and synthetic phenanthrene-based compounds exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, antiviral, and estrogen receptor-modulating effects, with several derivatives demonstrating activity against multidrug-resistant cancer models. These diverse applications have driven sustained interest in developing efficient and versatile synthetic strategies for phenanthrene construction. Classical methodologies initially established the foundation for phenanthrene synthesis, whereas recent advances in transition-metal catalysis have greatly expanded the scope and efficiency of synthetic approaches. Modern methodologies now enable highly effective annulation, C–H activation, oxidative coupling, carbene insertion, cycloisomerization, carbonyl–olefin metathesis, π-activation of alkynes, visible-light-mediated cyclization, and cross-coupling reactions under increasingly mild and sustainable conditions. This review highlights recent progress in phenanthrene synthesis, focusing on mechanistic aspects, catalytic strategies, substituent effects, and the growing role of sustainable methodologies in constructing structurally diverse phenanthrene-based architectures. © 2026