Cuneanes as Potential Benzene Bioisosteres Having Chirality

Cuneane, a structural isomer of cubane, possesses C[2v] symmetry, unlike the Oₕ symmetry of cubane. It can exhibit chirality with only a single substituent, differentiating it from cubane. Consequently, cuneane is being explored as a potential benzene bioisostere in pharmaceutical molecules, adding complexity such as chirality through isomerization of the cubane skeleton. Although there has been limited research on the synthesis of cuneane, recent years have seen increased attention devoted to this cage hydrocarbon. In this short review, we will discuss recent advances in the synthesis, utilization, and transformations of the cuneane framework into other cage hydrocarbons.