Aryl-substituted methylidenecyclopropa[b]naphthalenes: synthesis and attempted silver(I)-mediated dimerization

The arylmethylidenecyclopropa[b]naphthalene family has been extended to include the 1and 2naphthyl and 9-anthryl derivatives (5-7). When subjected to Ag(I) in aprotic media, conditions typically employed for the linear dimerization of the parent cycloproparenes, diarylalkynes and/ or ketones are obtained; in alcoholic media enol ethers are formed. Dimerization to 9,10-anthraquinodimethanes does not take place.