The Dianions of Phenanthrene and 1,2,3,4‐Dibenzocyclooctatetraene

The dianions of phenanthrene and 1,2,3,4‐dibenzocyclooctatetraene have been prepared by metal reduction of the neutral compounds and characterized via the study of their 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR. spectra. A description of the charge distribution can be achieved which is consistent with both MO‐models and the spin density distribution of the corresponding radical anions. Thus, the dianion of 1,2,3,4‐dibenzocyclooctatetraene appears as a π‐bond delocalized species having its excess charge mainly localized in the eight membered ring.