Norbornadienes in the Synthesis of Polycyclic Strained Hydrocarbons with Participation of Metal Complex Catalysts

The advances achieved in recent years in the synthesis of polycyclic hydrocarbons, including those containing functional substituents, from norbornadiene and its derivatives using metal complex catalysts are surveyed. The homo- and codimerisation reactions of norbornadienes with olefins, dienes, and acetylenes, involving the [2π + 2π] -, [2π + 2π + 2π] -, and [4π + 4π] -addition under the influence of transition metal complexes are examined. Data on the synthesis of norbornadiene trimers as well as the physicochemical and spectroscopic characteristics of a whole series of unique hydrocarbons are presented. The mechanisms of the reactions indicated are discussed. The bibliography includes 173 references.