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Phenanthrene 99% Industrial Grade, CAS No.85-01-8
What Is Phenanthrene ?
Phenanthrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) with the molecular formula C₁₄H₁₀ and a CAS number of 85-01-8. Industrial-grade Phenanthrene 99%+ refers to a refined solid intermediate, typically separated from coal-tar distillate fractions through advanced crystallization, distillation and purification processes.
From a chemical structure perspective, phenanthrene consists of three fused benzene rings arranged in an angular or “bent” configuration. This structure gives it distinct aromatic reactivity and makes it useful as a building block in fine chemical synthesis. Compared with lower-purity phenanthrene fractions, the 99%+ industrial grade is more suitable for controlled synthesis because it contains fewer interfering impurities.
For industrial buyers, phenanthrene is not just another aromatic raw material—it is a proven intermediate for dye chemistry, resin modification and organic synthesis. Its stable ring system, good solubility in organic solvents and predictable reactivity help formulators improve process consistency.
1. Physical State and Appearance
Industrial-grade Phenanthrene 99%+ usually appears as white to pale yellow crystalline flakes or powder. Because it is a solid aromatic intermediate, it should be stored and handled as a crystalline chemical rather than a solvent.
Its crystalline nature means that dust control is important during manufacturing, packaging and transportation. Fine phenanthrene dust can be generated during transfer, so appropriate ventilation and personal protection are necessary.
2. Solubility Characteristics
Phenanthrene is practically insoluble in water. However, it dissolves well in many organic solvents, including benzene, toluene, xylene, chloroform, carbon disulfide and certain ethers. Its solubility in alcohols is more limited.
This solubility profile is important for process design. If you are using phenanthrene in synthesis, you will generally need an organic solvent system rather than an aqueous medium.
3. Thermal Stability and Melting Behavior
Industrial-grade Phenanthrene 99%+ typically has a melting point in the range of 96–101 °C, while its boiling point is around 340 °C. It also has a relatively low vapor pressure at room temperature.
These properties indicate that phenanthrene is thermally stable under normal storage and handling conditions. However, like other aromatic hydrocarbons, it should be kept away from high temperatures, open flames and strong oxidizers.
4. Chemical Reactivity
Phenanthrene’s angular three-ring structure makes it reactive at certain positions. It can undergo halogenation, nitration, sulfonation, oxidation and reduction reactions, allowing chemists to introduce functional groups into the aromatic system.
For example, oxidation of phenanthrene can produce phenanthrenequinone, while other functionalization routes lead to intermediates used in dyes and specialty chemicals. This reactivity is why high-purity industrial phenanthrene is preferred for controlled organic synthesis.
Main Industrial Applications of Phenanthrene 99%+ (CAS 85-01-8)
Dye and Pigment Manufacturing
One of the most established industrial uses of phenanthrene is in the production of dyes and dye intermediates. Its aromatic ring system can be converted into quinone structures and other colored intermediates, which are important for vat dyes, disperse dyes and related colorants.
Because dye synthesis is highly sensitive to impurities, using 99%+ industrial-grade phenanthrene helps reduce side reactions and improve batch consistency. Lower-purity material may introduce unwanted byproducts that affect color shade and final product quality.
Synthetic Resins and Polymer Modification
Phenanthrene can also be used as a monomer or modifier in aromatic resin systems. Its fused-ring structure helps increase thermal stability, rigidity and aromatic character in certain polymer formulations.
Although it is not a general-purpose plastic monomer, industrial phenanthrene supports the development of high-performance resins and specialty polymer intermediates where aromatic structure and thermal stability are required.
Organic Synthesis Intermediates
Industrial-grade Phenanthrene 99%+ serves as a versatile intermediate in organic chemistry. It can be used to synthesize phenanthrenequinone, halogenated phenanthrenes, carboxylic acid derivatives and other functionalized aromatic compounds.
These intermediates may then be used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, optical brighteners and specialty chemical products. For synthesis routes that require predictable reactivity, high-purity phenanthrene is a practical choice.
Fluorescence Research and Analytical Applications
Phenanthrene is also known for its fluorescence properties, which make it useful in laboratory research and analytical applications. It can act as a fluorescent probe or reference material in spectroscopy studies.
In research environments, phenanthrene is often handled as a high-purity crystalline standard. Its well-defined spectroscopic behavior supports method development and calibration work in chemical analysis.
