Synthesis of tetra‐alkoxy‐ and tetra‐aryloxyethenes

Abstract Several tetra‐alkoxyethenes have been synthesized from dialkoxy‐monoaryl‐oxymethanes by treatment with sodium hydride. The occurrence of dialkoxy carbenes as possible reaction intermediates is discussed. Best results (45‐60%) were obtained with dialkoxy‐mono‐p‐chlorophenoxymethanes. Tetra‐aryloxyethenes have been prepared by a similar procedure in which diaryloxymethyl chlorides were used as starting compounds.