To obtain the subject novel compound, useful as a synthetic intermediate for producing functional materials, electronic materials, catalyst ligands, medicines and agrochemicals that comprises compounds having a lot of substituents in aromatic rings.

A compound of formula I (R1 to R8 and R'1 to R'4 are each an alkyl, an alkenyl or the like), e.g. 1,2,3,4,5,8-hexapropyl-6,7- dimethoxycarbonyl-9,10-dihydroanthracene. The compound of formula I is obtained by reacting a diyne of formula II [R1 to R10 and R'1 to R'8 are each an alkyl or the like; (n) is 0, 1 or an integer more than 1] with preferably 0.1-3 equivalents of a transition metal compound of formula III [M is a transition metal; L is a ligand; X is a halide ion, or the like; (m) and (p) are each 0-8] and reacting the product with an acetylene compound of formula IV. When the transition metal is zirconium, or the like, it is preferable to use a metal compound of formula V [M' is a transition metal, or the like; L' is a ligand; X' is a halide ion, or the like; (q) and (r) are each 0-8] as an additive.