Harnessing steric strain to obtain superbases

Abstract

Theoretical calculations (G2 with complete optimization of the geometry) of tetrahedrane and its protonated form lead to the conclusion that tetrahedtane should be a superbase [proton affinity (PA) at 298 K, 252.0 kcal mol^–1(1 cal = 4.184 J)]; the performance of the G2 method was checked against 14 experimental PA values.