A variety of novel cyclohexadienes have been synthesized by a cyclizing tan
dem Michael/Wittig (carba-Hantzsch) reaction. The cyclohexa-1,4-dienes prep
ared, represent the first examples of isoelectronic analogs to dihydropyrid
ines of the Hantzsch-type. This reaction appears to be general and provides
a novel and efficient entry into the class of highly substituted biphenyls
.