The synthesis and x-ray crystal structure of a tetracyclo[4.2.1.1.2,503,7]decane derivative. A rigid,twist boat-containing ring system.

Attempted intramolecular pinacolization of cage diketone $\text{4}$ unexpectedly gave ketol $\text{5}$ instead. Compound $\text{5}$ was shown to possess the rare tetracyclo4.2.1.1.^2,50^3,7]decane ring system by means of an X-ray crystal structure of hydroxy-mesylate $\text{10}$ derived from $\text{5}$ by sodium borohydride reduction followed by mesylation. A possible mechanism for the transformation of $\text{4}$ into $\text{5}$ is presented, and certain noteworthy features of the crystal structure of $\text{10}$ are discussed. The base-catalysed fragmentation of $\text{10}$ to give enone $\text{11}$ is also described.