Summary Benz[a]anthracenes were synthesized by re- led to a number of approaches to the synthesis of these action of ortho-quinodimethane and 1,2-dihydronaphtha- compounds and their oxygenated metabolites. Several lenes. ... THE considerable current interest in the mechanism of the benz [alanthracene nucleus.2 However, in some of carcinogenesis by polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons1 has these examples, isomeric mixtures, low yields, or extremely