Bicyclo[2.2.2]octene-based "crab-like" molecules: synthesis, complexation, luminescence properties, and solid-state structures.

[structure, reaction: see text] The U-shaped, multifunctionalized tetraetheno-bridged dicyclopenta[b,i]anthracenediol 10 was synthesized to serve as a platform molecule. The molecule was prepared from the Diels-Alder adduct 5a of tricycloundecatriene 3 and bicyclo[2.2.