Xylenes were converted into dianions 1. Reaction of dianions 1 with dialkyl sulfates gave symmetrical dialkylbenzenes 2 (R= R'), while methyl iodide caused oxidative coupling followed by alkylation to give 8. Unsymmetrical dialkylbenzenes 2 (R# R') were made by an indirect route involving monoanions 9 and 11. Reactions of dianions 1 with dihalides gave [n] cyclophanes 0-3 (n= 5, 6, 9), m-3 (n= 8-10), and p-3 (n= 9-11) and [nn] cyclophanes 0-4 ...