Phenanthrenequinone Explained

Phenanthrenedione is a quinone derivative of a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. It is an orange, water-insoluble solid.

Laboratory synthesis and use

It has been prepared by oxidation of phenanthrene with chromic acid.^[1]

It is used as a artificial mediator for electron acceptor/donor in Mo/W containing formate dehydrogenase reduction of carbon dioxide to formate and vice versa. It is a better electron acceptor than the natural nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺).

Safety

It is cytotoxic.^[2]

Notes and References

1. Phenanthrenequinone. Ray. Wendland. John. LaLonde. Org. Synth.. 1954. 34. 76. 10.15227/orgsyn.034.0076.
2. Robert A. Kanaly. Natsuko Hamamura. 9,10-Phenanthrenedione biodegradation by a soil bacterium and identification of transformation products by LC/ESI-MS/MS. Chemosphere. September 2013. 92. 11. 1442–1449. 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.03.054. 23611246. 2013Chmsp..92.1442K.