Functionalization of Cubane Formation of C−C and C−Heteroatom Bonds

Functionalized cubanes are attractive scaffolds for medicinal chemists as they are bioisosteres of benzene rings. The replacement of a benzene ring by a cubane, in a bioactive compound, can have a beneficial effect on the biological activity of such compound. Thus, the design of new molecular cubyl building blocks is of importance. In this review, we will focus on the functionalization of cubanes by creating C−C, C−heteroatom bonds e. g. C−N, C−O, C−B, C−P and C−S bonds. Different methods are reported involving organometallics, radicals, and ionic species. Mechanisms are included when relevant.