What is "adamantane"

n. (context organic compound English) A polycyclic hydrocarbon, C₁₀H₁₆, having a cagelike structure similar to a portion of the diamond lattice; any of its derivatives

Adamantane is a colorless, crystalline chemical compound with a camphor-like odor. With a formula CH, it is a cycloalkane and also the simplest diamondoid. Adamantane molecules consist of four connected cyclohexane rings arranged in the "armchair" configuration. It is unique in that it is both rigid and virtually stress-free. A boat-shaped configuration can also exist. Adamantane is the most stable among all the isomers with formula CH, which include the somewhat similar twistane. The spatial arrangement of carbon atoms in adamantane molecule is the same as in the diamond crystal. This motivates the name adamantane, which is derived from the Greek adamantinos (relating to steel or diamond).

The discovery of adamantane in petroleum in 1933 launched a new field of chemistry dedicated to studying the synthesis and properties of polyhedral organic compounds. Adamantane derivatives have found practical application as drugs, polymeric materials and thermally stable lubricants.