A diamondoid fuel comprising a cage structure including 10, 14, 18, or 22 carbons. The diamondoid fuel also includes one of one to four cyclopropyl groups bonded to the cage structure or two to four functional groups bonded to the cage structure where the functional groups are an alkyl group, an allyl group, a cyclopropyl group, or combinations thereof. Additionally, at least one functional group is an allyl group and at least one functional group is a cyclopropyl group.

In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein is versatile polyene cyclization strategy that exploits conjugated ?-ionyl derivatives. Photomediated disruption of the extended ?-system within these chromophores unveils a contra-thermodynamic polyene that engages in a Heck-type cyclization to afford [4.4.1]-propellanes. The connectivity of overbred polycycles generated from this process is controlled by the position of the requisite C-Halide bond. Thus, compared to conventional biomimetic polyene cyclization, this approach allows for complete control of regiochemistry and facilitates incorporation of both electron-rich and electron-deficient (hetero)aryl groups. This strategy was successfully applied to the total synthesis of abietanes such as, for example, taxodione and salviasperanol, two isomeric abietane-type diterpenes that previously could not be prepared along the same synthetic pathway.

In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein is versatile polyene cyclization strategy that exploits conjugated ?-ionyl derivatives. Photomediated disruption of the extended ?-system within these chromophores unveils a contra-thermodynamic polyene that engages in a Heck-type cyclization to afford [4.4.1]-propellanes. The connectivity of overbred polycycles generated from this process is controlled by the position of the requisite C-Halide bond. Thus, compared to conventional biomimetic polyene cyclization, this approach allows for complete control of regiochemistry and facilitates incorporation of both electron-rich and electron-deficient (hetero)aryl groups. This strategy was successfully applied to the total synthesis of abietanes such as, for example, taxodione and salviasperanol, two isomeric abietane-type diterpenes that previously could not be prepared along the same synthetic pathway.

A variety of polycycloalkyl polynorbornene monomers and polymers derived therefrom are disclosed and claimed. The polymers and copolymers as disclosed herein are useful for forming pervaporation membranes, among other uses.

A variety of polycycloalkyl polynorbornene monomers and polymers derived therefrom are disclosed and claimed. The polymers and copolymers as disclosed herein are useful for forming pervaporation membranes, among other uses.

A formulation and methods for making high energy organic fuels that incorporate suspended metal particles with metal particle sized ranging from 33 nm to 5 micron. The hybrid organic fuels contain superior density and/or energy content to conventional liquid organic fuels. These hybrid organic fuels used in combination with metal particle afford fuels with 5 to 80% more net heat of combustion (based on volume). These fuels should extend the distant range for jets, liquid rocket engines, SCRAM jet engines, and improve energy content in fuel-air explosive applications such as fuel-air explosives and in the Multi-Effects Weapons System (MEWS) where the fuel is used both for propulsion and explosive effects.

A formulation and methods for making high energy organic fuels that incorporate suspended metal particles with metal particle sized ranging from 33 nm to 5 micron. The hybrid organic fuels contain superior density and/or energy content to conventional liquid organic fuels. These hybrid organic fuels used in combination with metal particle afford fuels with 5 to 80% more net heat of combustion (based on volume). These fuels should extend the distant range for jets, liquid rocket engines, SCRAM jet engines, and improve energy content in fuel-air explosive applications such as fuel-air explosives and in the Multi-Effects Weapons System (MEWS) where the fuel is used both for propulsion and explosive effects.

The present invention discloses a composite catalyst for the photocatalytic isomerization of norbornadiene to prepare quadricyclane, comprising: a solid photocatalyst, selected from the group consisting of TiO.sub.2, Ti-MCM-41, Ti-SBA-15, ZnO, WO.sub.3, Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 or SrTiO.sub.3; and an organic photo-sensitizer loaded on the surface or in the channel of said solid photocatalyst, selected from benzophenone, acetophenone, Michler's Ketone, tetraethyl Michler's Ketone, and diethyl Michler's Ketone, where the organic photo-sensitizer is present in the solid photocatalyst in an amount of 0.5% to 20% by weight. The catalyst of the invention can catalyze a target reaction under the condition that no solvent is used, and the yield of the target product quadricyclane is higher. Furthermore, the catalyst of the invention has a stable activity, and it can be recycled. The invention further discloses a process for preparing the composite catalyst.

The present invention discloses a composite catalyst for the photocatalytic isomerization of norbornadiene to prepare quadricyclane, comprising: a solid photocatalyst, selected from the group consisting of TiO.sub.2, Ti-MCM-41, Ti-SBA-15, ZnO, WO.sub.3, Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 or SrTiO.sub.3; and an organic photo-sensitizer loaded on the surface or in the channel of said solid photocatalyst, selected from benzophenone, acetophenone, Michler's Ketone, tetraethyl Michler's Ketone, and diethyl Michler's Ketone, where the organic photo-sensitizer is present in the solid photocatalyst in an amount of 0.5% to 20% by weight. The catalyst of the invention can catalyze a target reaction under the condition that no solvent is used, and the yield of the target product quadricyclane is higher. Furthermore, the catalyst of the invention has a stable activity, and it can be recycled. The invention further discloses a process for preparing the composite catalyst.

Provided are a precursor compound of a tetracyclic hydrocarbon and a preparation method thereof, and a tetracyclic hydrocarbon and a preparation method and use thereof. The precursor compound of the tetracyclic hydrocarbon with a structure shown in formula I has a polycyclic structure. The precursor compound is subjected to hydrodeoxygenation so as to be prepared into the tetracyclic hydrocarbon with a structure shown in formula II that has a high density (0.986 g/cm.sup.3), a high calorific value (41.14 MJ/L), and a low freezing point (less than ?60? C.).

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