Anthracene and anthracene derivatives have been extensively studied over the years because of their interesting photophysical, photochemical, and biological properties. They are currently the subject of research in several areas, which investigate their use in the biological field and their application in OLEDs, OFETs, polymeric materials, solar cells, and many other organic materials. Their synthesis remains challenging, but some important preparative methods have been reported, especially in the last decade. This review presents an update of the recent strategies that have been employed to prepare anthracene derivatives. It encompasses papers published over the last twelve years (2008–2020) and focuses on direct and indirect methods to construct anthracene and anthraquinone frameworks.

Niobium pentachloride is an efficient and useful Lewis acid to conduct Friedel–Crafts hydroxyalkylation between arenes and (hetero)aromatic aldehydes, to generate triarylmethanes. This practical methodology offers several advantages, such as short reaction time, mild experimental conditions, and excellent yields.

Dichloromethyl methyl ether in the presence of niobium pentachloride and activated triarylmethanes leads to an efficient, mild, and rapid one-pot synthesis of several 9-anthraldehyde derivatives via a direct Bradsher-type reaction. This practical methodology offers several advantages, such as a broad substrate scope, simple workup process, and excellent yields.