Eightphenone 2a was synthesized via a modified literature procedure (Figure ). A flask was charged with 1a (1.0 mmol), sodium dichromate dihydrate (Na2Cr2O7•2H2O), and acetic acid, before the mixture was heated to reflux and stirred for 12 h. The subsequent addition of water to the crude mixture furnished a white precipitate, which was collected by filtration.