Decahydro-1,3,5-methenocyclopenta[cd]pentalene (trishomocubane) framework: novel photochemical synthesis, acid-catalysed cyclo-reversion, and possible role as a solar energy storage system

Abstract

A novel synthetic approach to the decahydro-1,3,5-methenocyclopenta[c,d]pentalene skeleton via intramolecular photocycloaddition of cis,syn,cis-triquinane bis-enones is reported; the facile and efficient acid-induced cycloreversion of these pentacyclic cage compounds to their precursor bis-enones points to the possible role of this systems in the reversible storage of light energy.