phenanthrene
|phen-an-threne|
/ˌfɛnənˈθriːn/
three fused benzene rings (angular tricyclic PAH)
Etymology
'phenanthrene' originates from a 19th-century chemical compound name formed by combining 'phene' (an obsolete term for benzene derivatives) and 'anthrene' (from 'anthracene'), where 'phene' referred to benzene-related substances and 'anthracene' derives from Greek 'ánthrax' meaning 'coal'.
'phenanthrene' was coined in chemical literature in the 1800s by blending the earlier term 'phene' with 'anthrene' (itself from 'anthracene', from Greek 'ánthrax'), and the modern spelling and usage 'phenanthrene' became standardized in organic chemistry nomenclature.
Initially the name reflected its relation to benzene derivatives and to anthracene (a coal-derived compound); over time it came to designate specifically the tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with formula C14H10.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) with molecular formula C14H10, consisting of three fused benzene rings in an angular (non-linear) arrangement; commonly found in coal tar and produced during incomplete combustion.
Phenanthrene is a common component of coal tar and is often studied for its chemical and photochemical properties.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/14 23:49