The four possible isomers of benz [a] anthracene containing a cyclopenta-fused ring have been synthesized and characterized. Thew systems are of interest for structureactivity studies in bioactivation because of their predicted high level of activity. Formation of fused five-membered rings by intramolecular cyclodehydration, often difficult to accomplish, was found to be smoothly effected in anhydrous HF, provided the reactivity index (Nt) for the ...