Cyclobutadiene and Related Compounds describes the four-membered carbocyclic compounds that have only trigonally hybridized carbon atoms in the ring. The book discusses the chemistry of cyclobutadiene and the substituted cyclobutadienes, including the preparation of cyclobutadiene-metal complexes that can be done in four ways. These are (1) by reaction of acetylenes with transition metal compounds, (2) from cyclobutenyl metal complexes, (3) by transformation of other cyclobutadiene-metal complexes, and (4) by trapping cyclobutadienes with transitional metal compounds. The text also describes cyclobutadiene dianion, the chemistry of the cyclobutadienequinones, the condensed methylenecyclobutene aromatic systems, and the higher aromatic analogs of benzocyclobutadiene. The book cites proofs of the structure of biphenylene using chemical and physical methods. The text also presents theoretical aspects of the cyclobutadiene problem including studies regarding the ?-electronic state of cyclobutadiene; the comparisons of some of these studies; the framework energies and Janh-Teller considerations; and the substituted cyclobutadienes, cyclobutadiene divalent ions, and metal complexes. This book is suitable for scientists and researchers working in the field of organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and molecular physics.

1 3-Butadiene is a product of incomplete combustion resulting from natural processes and human activity. It is also an industrial chemical used primarily in the production of polymers. It enters the environment from exhaust emissions from gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles, from non-transportation fuel combustion, from biomass combustion and from industrial on-site uses. The highest atmospheric concentrations have been measured in air in cities and close to industrial sources. In this volume the risks to human health and the environment of this chemical are assessed. The general population is exposed to 1 3-Butadiene primarily through ambient and indoor air. Tobacco smoke may contribute significant amounts of 1 3-Butadiene. The available epidemiological and toxicological data provide evidence that 1 3-Butadiene is carcinogenic in humans and may also be genotoxic in humans.