Synthetic sequences for the preparation of 6, 7, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17, 18-octafluoro [4.2] paracyclophane (1) and 6, 7, 9, 10-tetrafluoro [4.2] paracyclophane (2) are outlined. The uv absorption of compound 1 is hypsochromically shifted more than 20 nm from the long wavelength band (286-291 nm) characteristic of the [2.2] paracyclophanes.