Tetraethynylethene

Abstract

The first C10H4 hydrocarbon, the title compound, and a few of its derivatives have been synthesized by simple reactions from bis(trimethylsilyl)-1,4-pentadiyn-3-one. Compound 1 can be isolated in the form of colorless leaflets that are extremely sensitive to polymerization. Because of its cross-conjugated π-electron system, 1 is of interest as a precursor for novel polymers. The tetrakis(trimethylsilyl) derivative could be characterized by X-ray structure analysis.