Trans-9,10-dihydroxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene is a potent carcinogen that has been shown to be a strong inhibitor of cytochrome p450 (CYP) enzymes. Trans-9,10-Dihydroxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene was shown to inhibit the growth of cyanobacteria by inhibiting proton pumps in the cell membrane. The mechanism of this inhibition is not yet known. This substance has not been identified as a natural product but is thought to be an aromatic hydrocarbon. It undergoes deuterium exchange reactions with halides and enantiomeric reactions with hydration, giving it the ability to bind to DNA and form adducts with proteins.