This study was concerned with the attempted development of a generalized synthesis of hexaphenylbutadiene. Three methods were attempted: Michael Addition of cyanide to -phenylcinnamate followed by organolithium or Grignard addition; reaction of benzil with two moles of the Wittig reagent prepared from bromodiphenylmethane; reaction of two moles of benzophenone with the bisphosphorane prepared from 1,2- dibromo-1,2-diphenylethane
