Unexpected phenyl group rearrangement during an intramolecular Scholl reaction leading to an alkoxy-substituted hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene

A simple dimethoxy-substituted hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (m-dimethoxy HBC) was unexpectedly obtained along with a bis-spirocyclic dienone during an intramolecular Scholl reaction of its para isomer.