Strained Hydrocarbon Skeletons: Pentacyclo[6.4.0.02,4.03,10.07,9]dodecanes by [2+2+2]Cycloadditions to Substituted Dihydrobullvalenes

The preparation of some pentacyclo[6.4.0.02,4.03,10.07,9]dodecane derivatives 2 by [2+2+2] cycloaddition of tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) to dihydrobullvalene derivatives 6 is described. Upon pyrolysis of the acetate 2d and the xanthate 2e a [2+2+2] cycloreversion is observed instead of an elimination.