"Phenanthrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon composed of three fused benzene rings. The name phenanthrene is a composite of phenyl and anthracene. In its pure form, it is found in cigarette smoke and is a known irritant, photosensitizing skin to light. Phenanthrene appears as a white powder having blue fluorescence."
"The compound with a phenanthrene skeleton and nitrogens at the 4 and 5 positions is known as phenanthroline."
"Phenanthrene is nearly insoluble in water but is soluble in most organic solvents such as toluene, carbon tetrachloride, ether, chloroform, acetic acid and benzene."