Cyclic conjugation in terminally bent and branched phenylenes is studied by
means of the effect that individual cycles have on total pi -electron ener
gy. These energy-effects are computed by a molecular-orbital approach. The
hexagonal squeezes of the phenylenes examined are benzo-annelated polyacene
s. A general regularity for the intensity of cyclic conjugation is found. I
n the linear part of the molecule, cyclic conjugation follows a pattern ana
logous to that in the hexagonal squeeze (Clar-type regularity); in the bent
or branched parts of the molecule, the intensity of cyclic conjugation is
inverse to what exists in the hexagonal squeeze (anti-Clar-type regularity)
.