Formation of mono- and dianions of polycyclic hydrocarbons through deprotonation with the alkylithium-N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine complex. Convenient general method of dehydrogenation
Reductive alkylation of anthracene, 9, 10-dimethylanthracene, 1, 4-dimethylanthracene, benz(a)anthracene and dibenz(a,h)anthracene via treatment of the dilithio adducts in liquid ammonia with alkyl halides proceeds stereo selectively to furnish high yields of the corresponding cis-dialkyldihydro derviatives.