The synthesis and characterisation of some 2,7‐diazaphenanthrene derivatives

2,7‐Diazaphenanthrene was synthesised in moderate yield by the modified Pomeranz‐Fritsch reaction by condensing diethoxyethanal with 1,4‐benzenebismethanamine, followed by ring closure with 20% oleum, and its spectral characteristics recorded. A similar reaction with diethyl 1,4‐benzenebis(3‐aminopropanoate) gave either 2,7‐diaza‐1,8‐dimethylphenanthrene or 2,7‐diaza‐1,8‐phenanthrenebis(methylsulphonic acid), depending on the conditions of the ring closure reaction. The bis methiodides of these compounds were tested for phospholipase A 2 inhibitory action but were found to be inactive.