Novel Synthesis of Cubane Precursors

The most important objective of the Phase I program is to identify an improved preparation of a cubane derivative, preferably a cubanedicarboxylate derivative. The innovative routes proposed herein will demonstrate a synthesis of cubanedicarboxylic ester possibly in two steps - from a commercial starting material - based on sound fundamental principles or with a novel reaction sequence involving three steps based on analogous literature precedence for each step. Preparations of tailorable cubane derivatives with four substituents (all equivalent or two different pairs) - and possibly up to eight equivalent ones - should be possible in only two additional steps besides two key transformations necessary for formation of any cubane skeleton. All schemes proposed should offer significant improvements in the practicality of preparing desirable cubane derivatives.