RODLIKE MOLECULES BY KOLBE ELECTROLYSIS

A new short and simple pathway to rigid, rod-shaped hydrocarbon skelet ons, in particular of the oligo-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane type, is describe d. The key step consists of an electrochemical C-C bond coupling react ion between bridgehead positions of bi- and tricyclic carboxylic acids . Functional groups can be retained, they influence the yield of the C -C bond connection. In this way, otherwise difficult or laborious synt heses are shortened, and rigid, non-collapsable nano size spacer units are easily available. The optimized electrochemical procedures are de scribed in detail.