The K region (5, 6-positions) of 7, 12-dimethylbenz [a] anthracene was cleaved by treating the appropriate dihydrodiol with sodium periodate. The resultant dialdehyde was converted to several oxygenated products as well as 5, 6-dihydro-7, 12-di-methylbenz [a] anthracene. This latter compound was also obtained in good yield by the hydrogenation of the parent polynuclear hydrocarbon using palladium on strontium carbonate as catalpst. 3
