Anthracene separation from analogous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using the naphthalene-based solvents

•Structural distinctions serve as a critical factor to select a suitable solvent.•Facile separation of anthracene with > 99 wt% purity using acetylnaphthalene.•Lower operating temperature, economic cost savings and environmentally benign.•Electrostatic interaction of phenanthrene with acetylnaphthalene is crucial.