Photochemical reaction of anthracene with dioxygen catalyzed by platinum(II) porphyrin

[Display omitted] •The photochemical reaction of anthracene with dioxygen in the presence of platinum(II) porphyrin (PtPor) was monitored.•The intermediate product, anthracene-9,10-endoperoxide, was further reacted to afford anthraquinone.•PtPor catalyzed both reactions. Visible light irradiation of anthracene in the presence of platinum(II) porphyrin (PtPor) and dioxygen affords anthraquinone as the main product. This reaction involves two steps: the [4+2]cycloaddition of anthracene with singlet oxygen to afford anthracene-9,10-endoperoxide and the degradation of endoperoxide. PtPor catalyzes both reactions.