The barrier to rotation in 9,10-bis(2,3-dimethylphenyl) phenanthrene: conformational interconversion observed at high temperatures by means of gas chromatography

A mixture of the syn and anti conformers of 9,10-bis(2,3- dimethylphenyl ) phenanthrene was prepared. The unexpectedly high energy barrier for the free rotation of the two aryl rings is described. Variable temperature 1H n.m.r . studies failed to provide thermodynamic data for the conformational inter-conversion due to limitations in practicably measurable temperature range. The energies of activation for both interconversion processes were, however, determined by gas chromatographic studies in the temperature range of 225-300°C.