The objective of this study was to synthesize new energetic, strained, saturated polycyclic compounds. For this purpose, new methodology has been developed, as follows: (i) Ketenes have been generated in situ via treatment of aldo-, keto- or alkenoic acid with either toluenesulfonyl chloride or 2-chloro-1-methylpyridfniurn iodide (Mulkaiyama's reagent). The reactive intermediates thereby generated have been found to undergo intramolecular [2+2] cycloaddition reactions in these systems.