[3]Parycyclo− and [3]metacyclo[3](3,7)-p-tropoquinonophanes

The title phanes were synthesized. Examination of their physical properties including X-ray crystallography disclosed that 1) the p-tropoquinone ring is still bent in both compounds though to a lesser extent than in the corresponding [2.2]phanes, 2) the metacyclo compound prefers syn conformation in solution, and 3) the intramolecular CT interaction is very similar in two compounds.