Complete NMR elucidation of a novel trishomocubane hydantoin and its mono- and bis-t-Boc protected derivatives.

The syntheses of a novel trishomocubane hydantoin and its mono- and bis-protected t-Boc derivatives are described. The less nucleophilic N-3' nitrogen of the hydantoin ring is protected first when treated with di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (t-Boc anhydride), possibly owing to steric hindrance by the bulky trishomocubane cage skeleton. More basic conditions were required to form the bis-protected t-Boc hydantoin with the same reagent.