Cyclobutene is a cycloalkene. It is of interest in research but currently has no practical applications. It is a colorless easily condensed gas. A modern synthesis involves the 2-step dehydration of cyclobutanol. The compound was first prepared by thermolysis of the ammonium salt [C4H7NMe3]OH. Cyclobutene thermally isomerizes to 1,3-butadiene. This strongly exothermic reaction reflects the dominance of ring strain. In contrast, the corresponding equilibrium for hexafluorocyclobutene disfavors hexafluorobutadiene. See also Cyclobutane Cyclobutadiene Cyclobutyne Squaric acid References Monomers