The action of base on cyclo-octatetraene, 1,2,5,6-tetrabromocyclooctanes, and polybromocyclododecanes

Abstract

The action of potassium t-butoxide in diglyme on trans,anti,trans- and trans,syn,trans-1,2,5,6-tetrabromocyclo-octane and on cyclo-octatetraene was found to produce benzocyclobutene, styrene, cyclo-octa-1,3,5-triene, and ethylbenzene. Similar base treatment of 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromocyclododecane gave the hitherto unknown 1,2-benzocyclo-octa-1,3,5-triene while 1,2,5,6-tetrabromocyclododecane produced 1,2-benzocyclo-oct-1-ene.