Synthesis and Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Benzsuberans

Synthesis of 2'-methyl-6,7-benzeuberan, 3-methyl-6,7-benzsuberan, 3,3-dimethyl-6,7-benzsuberan and 3-ethy1-3-methyl-6,7-benzsuberan have been described. Catalytic dehydrogenation of these benzsuberans has been carried out by heating with Pd-C catalyst, at 380^° in a sealed tube. In every case, 2-methylnaphthalene has been obtained as the chief dehydrogenation product.