is a stepwise Diels-Alder like reaction, forming a carbocation as intermediate. The adduct (3) is then hydrolyzed under basic conditions and afterwards transformed into a copper(II) chloride derivative with acidic copper(II) chloride. Neutralized with a strong base, the azo compound (5) could be crystallized with 65% yield. The last step is a photolysis of the azo compound. This photolysis leads to a biradical which forms prismane (6) and nitrogen with a yield of less than 10%. The compound was isolated by preparative gas chromatography. See also Prismane C8, a C8 allotrope of carbon Cubane References External links Molecules with silly or unusual Names Hydrocarbons Molecular geometry Tetracyclic compounds Cyclobutanes Cyclopropanes Explosive chemicals Substances discovered in the 1970s