ladderane

thumb|Simple ladderane structure thumb|A licorice model of the chemical structure of the 3-ladderane molecule

In chemistry, a ladderane is an organic molecule containing two or more fused cyclobutane rings. The name arises from the resemblance of a series of fused cyclobutane rings to a ladder. Numerous synthetic approaches have been developed for the synthesis of ladderane compounds of various lengths. The mechanisms often involve [[Woodward-Hoffmann rules|[2 + 2] photocycloadditions]], a useful reaction for creating strained 4-membered rings. Naturally occurring ladderanes have been identified as major components of the anammoxosome membrane of the anammox bacteria, phylum Planctomycetota.