Thc synthesis of thr title compound (VI) is described (Chart I). A more direct route to the key intermediate spiro [cyclohexane-1,!)'-fluoren]-4-one (V) is provided by the cyclization of 9, 9- fluorenedipropionitrile (11) to 3-cyano-4-aminospiro-clohexene-l! 9'-fluorenr~(F'II) by a catalytic quantity of potassiuni t-butoxide in t-butyl alcohol folloivetl by hys to the spiro ltrt> one V in an acetic-phosphoric acid mixture. Infrared and ultraviolet spcct, ral evidence is ...