Polyazapolycyclics by condensation of aldehydes with amines. 3. Formation of 2,4,6,8-tetrabenzyl-2,4,6,8-tetraazabicyclo[3.3.0]octanes from formaldehyde, glyoxal, and benzylamines

The condensation of formaldehyde, glyoxal, and benzylamine, in a stoichiometric ratio, leads to 2,4,6,8-tetrabenzyl-2,4,6,8-tetrabicyclo[3.3.0]octane (1d) in methanol solvent with formic acid catalyst. Six phenyl-substituted derivatives of 1d, as well as 2,4,6,8-tetraisopropyl-2,4,6,8-tetraazabyclo[3.3.0]octane (1c), have been prepared in high yields by this synthetic method. Some of the chemical behavior of the new compounds is discussed