This investigation was undertaken with the aim of synthesizing compounds from which, because of their structural similarity to oestrone (I), some oestrogenic activity might be expected. 2 2-Hy-droxy-9, lO-dihydrophenanthrene (11) appeared particularly suited to building up compounds of the desired type, first because its phenolic hydroxyl group is located in a position corresponding to that of the phenolic hydroxyl in oestrone, and ...