II-a, Ar= 1-benzo [a] pyrenyl; b, Ar= 2-phenanthryl; c, Ar= 1-pyrenyl; d, Ar= 6-chrysenyl. acid 5 which on treatment with hydriodic acid in acetic acid in the presence of hypophosphorus acid underwent cyclization and reduction directly to g-tert-butyl-l1, 12-dihydrobenzo [a] pyrene (6). Dehydrogenation of 6 with DDQ furnished 7. The 500-MHz NMR spectrum of 7 (Table I) was identical with that of the product of direct tert-butylation of benzo [a] pyrene ...