Abstract: A high yield, four step synthesis process is disclosed for producing the omer, 2,3-diphenyl-1,3-butadiene, wherein in step 1 acetophenone pinacol is produced from the dimerization of acetophenone in 96% yield; in step 2 acetophenone pinacol is reacted with triethoxymethane and benzoic acid to produce 2,3-diphenyl-2-butene in about 88-96% yield. The 2,3-diphenyl-2-butene and N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) are reacted together in step 3 in an ultra violet reactor and in a CCl.sub.4 reaction solvent to produce in about 92% yield, the dibromo compound, 1,4-dibromo-2,3-diphenyl-2-butene. In step 4, 1,4-dibromo-2,3-diphenyl-2-butene is converted to the desired monomer in about 86% yield by reacting with NaI under refluxing conditions for about 90 minutes in a hot acetone solution. The monomer 2,3-diphenyl-1,3-butadiene is recovered in hexane, shaken (in the order listed) with water solutions of NaHSO.sub.3, NaHCO.sub.3, and pure water, dried over CaCl.sub.2, and the hexane is spun off.

Abstract: A self pumping spark gap that switches high voltage current in large amou and provides for a flow of gas by use of one way valves. The valves open and close in accordance with changes in pressure experienced during the sparking sequence.