1-hydroxyphenanthrene

Description

1-hydroxyphenanthrene is a **polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)** with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached at the 1-position of the phenanthrene ring.

Here's why it's important for research:

**1. Biological Activity:**

* **Potential Anti-Cancer Properties:** Studies have shown that 1-hydroxyphenanthrene exhibits potential anti-cancer activity, particularly against certain types of leukemia and lymphoma. It's believed to work by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.
* **Antioxidant Properties:** Like other phenolic compounds, 1-hydroxyphenanthrene has antioxidant properties. This means it can neutralize free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to diseases like cancer and heart disease.
* **Anti-Inflammatory Properties:** 1-hydroxyphenanthrene has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially useful in treating inflammatory conditions.

**2. Environmental Significance:**

* **Environmental Pollutant:** 1-hydroxyphenanthrene is a known environmental pollutant, often found in soil, water, and air, as a result of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and other industrial processes. Its presence in the environment is a cause for concern due to its potential toxicity to living organisms.
* **Biomarker for Pollution:** 1-hydroxyphenanthrene can serve as a biomarker for environmental pollution, as its levels in various environmental matrices (soil, water, etc.) can indicate the presence of other PAHs and potential health risks.

**3. Analytical Chemistry:**

* **Standard for Analysis:** 1-hydroxyphenanthrene is often used as a reference standard in analytical chemistry for the analysis and quantification of PAHs in environmental samples.

**4. Chemical Synthesis and Reactivity:**

* **Synthetic Intermediate:** 1-hydroxyphenanthrene is a valuable synthetic intermediate in the production of various pharmaceuticals and other fine chemicals.
* **Studies of PAH Reactivity:** The presence of the hydroxyl group in 1-hydroxyphenanthrene allows for the study of the reactivity of PAHs in various chemical reactions and environments.

Overall, 1-hydroxyphenanthrene is a molecule with diverse properties and applications, making it an important subject of research in various fields, including medicine, environmental science, and chemistry. However, its environmental significance and potential toxicity require further investigation and monitoring.

1-hydroxyphenanthrene: a metabolite of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]