Abstract Methods for the synthesis of 1, 4-diketones are briefly reviewed. A new route to 1, 4- diketones involves the Wittig reaction between the stable ylides, Ph 3 PCHCOCH 3 and Ph 3 PCHCOPh, and 1, 2-diones, followed by seduction of the (E)-diacylethylene. Pyrolysis of diphenacylsulphone yields a derivative of thiet 1, 1-dioxide. Phenylglyoxal, acetic anhydride, and pyridine give? dibenzoylformoin diacetate?, probably by a benzoin condensation ...