Design and synthesis of C 3-symmetric molecules bearing propellane moieties via cyclotrimerization and a ring-closing metathesis sequence.

We have developed an efficient synthetic strategy to assemble C 3-symmetric molecules containing propellane moieties as end groups and a benzene ring as a central core. The synthesis of these C 3-symmetric molecules involves simple starting materials. Our approach to C 3-symmetric compounds relies on a Diels-Alder reaction, cyclotrimerization and ring-closing metathesis as key steps.