Synthesis and structures of trifluoromethyl-, fluoro-, and azido-substituted hexabenzylhexaazaisowurtzitanes and isolation of a novel hexaazaisowurtzitane-based polycycle

The first hexabenzylhexaazaisowurtzitane cage compounds with trifluoromethyl and azide groups, as well as those with fluorine atoms in the 3-and 4-positions, have been prepared and fully characterized. A study of the substituent influence on the benzene ring regarding the formation of the hexaazaisowurtzitane polycycle in either the 2- or 4-position with CF3, F, and N-3 revealed an interesting difference. In all cases with CF3, F, and N-3 substituents in the 4-position, the corresponding hexabenzylhexaazaisowurtzitanes were isolated. The corresponding hexabenzylhexaazaisowurtzitanes were also formed when these substituents were in the 2-position; however, in addition with azide in 2-position a novel type of polycycle was isolated and identified. N-15 NMR data and crystal structures of hexabenzylhexaazaisowurtzitane derivatives were obtained and are discussed in detail.