A synthesis of dibenzo (a,e) perylene

The ayelodehydrogenation of 7-(1-naphthyl)benz [a] anthracene to dibenzo [a,e] perylene was accomplished in 38% yield using an aluminum chloride - stannic chloride catalyst. Attempts to reproduce or to improve this yield were not successful and thereafter the only product isolated was a low melting light orange solid which was postulated to be a hydrogenated intermediate. That the orange material could be converted to dibenzo [a,e] perylene upon treatment with palladiem on charcoal in p-eymene substantiated this postulation.