Sumanene has three sp(3) hybridized carbon atoms at the benzylic positions. This specific structural property can allow the functionalization of a new bowl shaped structure. We investigated the effects of substitution of the benzylic carbon atoms of sumanene with boron and nitrogen atoms within the density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory computations. The sumanene derivatives were subjected to the analysis of changes of the molecular electrostatic potential surfaces, optical properties (UV/Vis spectra) and bowl-to-bowl inversion barrier properties with solvent effects. The bowl shaped geometry and other properties were significantly affected by the introduction of hetero atoms. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.