Transformation of benzene to a polymer after static pressurization to 30 GPa

After pressurization to 30 GPA, in a diamond anvil cell, benzene transforms, at room temperature, to a white solid which is stable at ambient pressure. We report here the infrared spectroscopy analysis performed under pressure and at ambient conditions. These preliminary results show that the transformation involves an opening of the benzene rings leading to a highly cross-linked polymer.