Novel and convenient syntheses of seven isomeric phenols of benz [a] anthracene El-, 2-, 3- , 8-, 9-, lo-, and 11-HO-BA) from the parent polycyclic hydrocarbon are described. These syntheses demonstrate the feasibility of introduction of functional groups into polycyclic arene ring positions not prone to direct substitution through initial regioselective hydrogenation (or metal-ammonia reduction), followed by appropriate synthetic ...