The Synthesis of 2,7-Dimethylphenanthrene

Abstract

The synthesis of 2,7-dimethylphenanthrene from dimethyl 4,4'-dimethyldiphenate is described. The ester groups were reduced to hydroxymethyl groups and the latter converted to bromomethyl groups. Cyclization of the latter with phenyllithium followed by dehydrogenation of the product over palladium-on-charcoal afforded 2,7-dimethylphenanthrene.