Abstract: The title compounds, namely dibenzo [b, b′] benzo [1, 2-f: 4, 5-f′] bis [1, 5] diazocines, have been synthesised in a single step in two alternative ways by application of the 'tertiary amino effect':(i) the action of bis-Vilsmeier reagents derived from N, N′-dimethyl- N, N′-diformyl-p-phenylenediamine upon 4-substituted N, N-dimethylanilines, and (ii) the action of Vilsmeier reagents derived form 4-substituted N-methylformanilides on bis ( ...