A total of 25 benzo[
j][1,7]phenanthroline and cyclopenta[
j][1,7]phenanthroline derivatives were synthesized in EtOH under catalyst-free conditions. This procedure included a three-component reaction of aromatic aldehydes,
jhet2574-eo-0003">quinolin-7-amine, and active methylene compounds and provided an efficient and green access to the synthesis of [1,7]phenanthrolines in high yields.