Synthesis of Positional Isomeric Phenylphenalenones

A series of isomeric phenylphenalenones in which the phenyl ring is located at all possible peripheral positions of the phenalenone nuclei was synthesized. The structural characteristics of the series, in which topological variation is permitted with minimal electronic disturbance, could, in principle, allow for easy pharmacophore recognition when the compounds are aligned in steroidomimetic conformations.