tetramethyltetrahedrane

Tetramethyltetrahedrane is a chemical compound with the formula C8H12. It belongs to the class of polycyclic hydrocarbons known as polyprismanes. Structurally, it features a tetrahedron core where each vertex is substituted with a methyl group. This arrangement results in a highly symmetrical molecule with a tetrahedral geometry. The molecule's name reflects its structure: "tetra" for the four vertices of the tetrahedron, "methyl" for the four methyl substituents, and "tetrahedrane" indicating the tetrahedral core.

Tetramethyltetrahedrane is a saturated hydrocarbon, meaning it contains only single bonds between carbon atoms and a full complement of hydrogen atoms. Its synthesis is challenging due to the strained nature of the tetrahedrane cage structure. It has been synthesized and characterized, and its physical and chemical properties have been studied. The compound is notable for its unique three-dimensional structure and the high degree of strain within its molecular framework.