basketene

Basketene (IUPAC name: pentacyclo[4.4.0.02,5.03,8.04,7]dec-9-ene) is an organic compound with the formula C10H10. It is a polycyclic alkene and the dehydrogenated version of basketane, which was named for its structural similarity to a basket. Due to its hydrocarbon composition and unique structure, the chemical compound is of considerable interest to those examining energy surfaces of these (CH)10 cage molecules and what possible factors influence their minima. Additionally, the complex structure of this compound has intrigued researchers studying the chemistry of highly strained ring systems . Basketene and its family of derivatives also have important chemical and physical properties. These molecules all tend to have a high standard enthalpy of formation, combined with their high density, leading to possible uses in explosives.

==Synthesis== Basketene has been synthesized as follows. First cyclooctatetraene (1) undergoes thermal, electrocyclic isomerization (to 2), followed by a Diels–Alder reaction with maleic anhydride (3). [2 + 2] photochemical cycloaddition (4 to 5) closes the cage structure, which sodium carbonate hydrolyzes (to 6); lead(IV) acetate in pyridine then decarboxylates oxidatively to basketene (7). 600px|Total Synthesis of Basketene