[reaction: see text] Reaction of 2,2'-dihalobiphenyl with butyllithium followed by the addition of chromium(III) chloride and alkynes afforded the corresponding phenanthrene derivativesvia formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition. A variety of alkynes could be used for this reaction, such as alkyl, aryl, silyl, and alkoxycarbonyl alkynes. Repetitive process of the reaction gave more extended polycyclic compounds