SnC12 (Scheme I). Fluorene 3 reacts with SnC12 in dioxane, giving unexpectedly a very good yield of 9H-heptadecachloro-9, 9'-bifluorenyl (l), the structure of which has been ascertained by analyses, spectra, and X-ray measurements. 12 Under the same conditions, related perchlorodiphenylmethane gives no dimer but perchlorodiphenylmethyl radical (PDM). S It is concluded therefore that perchloro-9-fluorenyl radical (PF) is formed. Also, ...