A process for synthesizing a single isomer of a naphthacene compound comprises the steps of: (a) reacting a symmetrically substituted 1,1-diarylpropargyl alcohol compound with a reagent capable of forming a leaving group to form a reaction mixture containing a intermediate; and then (b) heating the intermediate in the presence of a solvent and in the absence of any oxidizing agent to form a single naphthacene compound.