Successful synthesis of a 1,2-dioxetane was not accomplished until 1968 when the synthesis of trimethyl-1,2-dioxetane was reported.1 Since that time many 1,2-dioxetanes have been synthesized and characterized.2 Four synthetic methods have been utilized in their production: (1) closure of a /3-halohydroperoxide with base, (2) addition of singlet oxygen to enol ethers, enamines, and alkenes with unreactive allylic hydrogens, (3) assisted closure of a /3-halohydroperoxide with silver ion, and (4) 9,10-dicyanoanthracene (DCA) photooxidations.3We now report a fifth method which we have used for the synthesis of adamantylideneadamantane dioxetane. A solution consisting of 50 mL of methylene chloride, 1.71 g of tetra-n-butyl ammonium perchlorate, and 104.5 mg of adamantylideneadamantane (1) was subjected to a constant potential electrolysis (1.6 V vs. SCE) at a platinum gauze electrode. The electrolysis was conducted while the solution was continually agitated by bubbling oxygen vigorously through the cell and until current passage through the cell ceased. The methylene chloride was then

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