A Potentially Simple Pathway to Cubane and Its Derivatives

Current methods of cubane synthesis attempt to produce cubane by direct synthesis through irreversible chemical reactions. The presence of so many highly strained rings in cubane complicates this method. We propose an alternative method to the production of cubane that takes advantage of its unusual physical properties. If our method works, we will detect cubane in small amounts in the Phase I effort. Phase II would then be an attempt to improve the process to the point that it becomes an economically viable way to produce cubane in commercial quantities. The great appeal of the method is that if it works, cubane production will be relatively cheap and easy, and the method will also apply to the production of cubane derivatives.