Abstract We present herein the synthesis and properties of the largest hitherto unknown graphyne fragment, namely trigonally expanded tetrakis (dehydrobenzo [12] annulene) s (tetrakis-DBAs). Intramolecular three-fold alkyne metathesis reactions of hexakis (arylethynyl) DBAs 9 a and 9 b using Fürstner's Mo catalyst furnished tetrakis-DBAs 8 a and 8 b substituted with tert-butyl or branched alkyl ester groups in moderate and fair yields, ...