Synthesis of functionalized cage propellanes and D3-Trishomocubanes via the ring-closing metathesis and acid-promoted rearrangement

Abstract

Several functionalized cage propellanes and D3-trishomocubanes containing spiro linkage have been reported starting with commercially available materials such as 1,4-hydroquinone and dicyclopentadiene. In this regard, Claisen rearrangement, Diels–Alder reaction (DA), ring-closing metathesis (RCM) and acid-promoted rearrangement have been used as key steps. The strategies described here, opens up new opportunities to assemble intricate cage systems that are difficult to construct by conventional methods. Carbocation intermediates generated during the rearrangement process play a prominent role in designing unusual cage systems. One of the rearranged cage compound's structure was unambiguously established by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.