The alumina-catalyzed reaction of 5-indanol (1) with excess methanol was investigated as a function of tem-perature (330-520") and catalyst acidity. 4, 5, 6, 7-Tetramethylindan (3), 4, 5, 6, 7-tetramethylindene (4), and 2, 4, 5, 6, 7-~ entamethylindene (5) are the major products formed at 390-520" over a catalyst (B) containing sodi-um ion. Compound 4 is the main component (37-50 mol% yield, based on converted 1) at 390-420", whereas 3 is favored ( ...