Reduction of polycyclic hydrocarbons with potassium-graphite intercalate KC8

Aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons were reduced by potassium-graphite intercalate KC8 to give 4nπ anti-aromatic systems. The reduction process was followed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and was compared to the reduction process with potassium metal. The latter allowed insight into the reaction mechanism of KC8.