Flash vacuum pyrolysis at 1000-1100°C of the allyl esters of the three isomeric biphenylcarboxylic acids, of the allyl esters of the 12 biphenyldicarboxylic acids and of the three biphenyldicarboxylic anhydrides gave pyrolysates which were examined by 1H n.m.r. spectroscopy at temperatures below -50°C. In all cases the spectra showed the presence of cyclopent[a]indene and acenaphthylene together with other products. Possible mechanisms for these ring contraction and cyclization processes are discussed and the results of pyrolyses of [2,3-13C2] biphenyl-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride, and [3,4-13C2]- and (2-2 H1)-biphenyl-3,4-dicarboxylic anhydrides are reported.