Alkyl adamantanes from adamantanes and olefins - in the presence of a free radical initiator

A process for producing an alkyl adamantane comprises reacting an adamantane cpd. with an olefin in the presence of a free radical initiator. When ethylene or propylene is used as 1-1 adduct and a prod. with a longer chain alkyl gp. are formed, the latter due to telomerisation, but with other olefins a 1-1 adduct, is obtd. almost exclusively. Generally reaction temps. fo 60-150 degrees C and reaction times of 1-5 hrs. are satisfactory. The prods. may be used as inters. for org. syntheses e.g. 1-n-hexyl or 1-n-octyladamantane is used for synthesis of carboxylic acids which are useful as oil additives, and their alkaline earth metal salts are useful as anti-rust agents; also alkyl adamantanes, can be oxidised to adamantanol which on esterification with phosphoric or sulphuric acid produces a hydraulic oil. Further, alkyl adamantanes themselves may be used as lubricants and their derivs. as insecticides and influenza medicines.