Polyhedrane molecules

Figure 3-28. Polyhedrane molecules, (a) Tetrahedrane, (CH). It has very high strain energy and has not (yet ) been prepared, (b) Tetra-tert-butyltetrahedrane, CiClCHjlj], [3-31). (c) Cubane, (CH)g, [3-32]. (d) Dodecahedrane, (CH)jj, [3-11]. (e) [3-34], not yet prepared.

In 1982, the synthesis and properties of a new polycyclic C2oH2o hydrocarbon, dodecahedrane, was reported [21], The twenty carbon atoms of this molecule are arranged like the vertices of a regular dodecahedron. When, in the early 1960s, H. P. Schultz discussed the topology of the polyhedrane and prismane molecules (vide infra) [22], at that time it was in terms of a geometrical diversion rather than true-life chemistry. Since then it has become real chemistry. 

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