p ‐[3 2 .5 6 ]Octahedrane, the (CH) 12 Hydrocarbon with D 3d Symmetry

Highly symmetrical compounds like 1–3 have always fascinated chemists. Dodecahedrane ( 3 ) was synthesized over ten years ago for the first time, and now the synthesis and crystal structure of the C 12 H 12 hydrocarbon 1 have been accomplished. It was prepared in four steps from a tetracyclic intermediate known from the synthesis of dodecahedrane. Unusual as regards constitution and point symmetry, the (CH) 12 hydrocarbon also promises to have unusual chemical properties. Compound 2 still eludes synthesis.