Synthesis and polymerization of (E,E)-[6.2](9,10)anthracenophane-1,5-diene

The title compound has been synthesized by dimerization of a substituted p-xylylene, generated via a 1,8-Hofmann elimination. Several unique isomers of this dimer are also obtained. The title diene can be polymerized cationically to give low molecular weight polymer. Oxidative doping of this polymer with iodine forms a material with a conductivity of 3 × 10^?4 S/cm. In contrast to previously reported anthracenophanes this polymer is photochemically unreactive.