Synthesis of Bullvalenes: Classical Approaches and Recent Developments

Dedicated to the memory of Prof. Félix Serratosa, a pioneer of organic synthesis in Spain

Published as part of the 50 Years SYNTHESIS – Golden Anniversary Issue

Abstract

The goal of this short review is to provide an overview of the different synthetic methodologies applied along the years for the synthesis of bullvalenes, prototypical fluxional molecules that were key in the understanding of valence tautomerism phenomena. Some interesting applications of these unique shapeshifting compounds are also presented.

1 Introduction

2 Classical Syntheses of Bullvalenes

3 Recent Developments in the Synthesis of Bullvalenes

4 Applications of Bullvalenes

5 Conclusion

Key words

bullvalenes - fluxional - cage-like molecules - shapeshifting - degenerate isomers

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