Synthèses dans la série des constituants odorants caractéristiques de l'essence absolue de cassie (Acacia farnesiana WILLD.): Les acides méthyl-3-décène-3-oïques cis et trans,méthyl-3-décène-4-oïques cis et trans,et les quatre méthyl-3-décénols-1 correspondants

Three new fragrant compounds formerly isolated from the absolute oil of cassie (Acacia farnesiana WILLD .) have been synthesized through stereospecific reactions, and their respective structures thus confirmed. These unusual C₁₁ constituents are cis-3-methyl-dec-3-enoic acid (Ia), trans-3-methyl-dec-4-enoic acid (IIa) and cis-3-methyl-dec-3-en-1-ol (Ib). The related ‘non natural’ stereomers, namely, trans-3-methyl-dec-3-enoic acid (X) and cis-3-methyl-dec-4-enoic acid (XIX), have also been synthesized, as well as the 3-methyl-decen-1-ols IIb, XVII and XX.     

5,5,6-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one in the Synthesis of Carbocyclic Analogs of Prostaglandin Endoperoxides

1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile oxides to 5,5,6-trimethyl-exo-2-ethynylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-endo-2-ol yields the corresponding 2-(isoxazol-5-yl) derivatives. Opening of the isoxazole ring in the latter gives rise to prostanoid precursors with partially built up or completed side chain. 5,5,6-Trimethyl-3-methylenebicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one reacts with nitromethane in the presence of tetramethylguanidine to afford 5,5,6-trimethyl-exo-3-(2-nitroethyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one which can be converted into the corresponding nitrile oxide by the action of phenyl isocyanate in benzene in the presence of triethylamine as catalyst. 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of the nitrile oxide to ethyl 4-pentynoate yields 3-exo-[5-(2-ethoxycarbonylethyl)isoxazol-3-ylmethyl]-5,5,6-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one. Treatment of the latter with hydroxyl amine leads to formation of the corresponding Z-oxime whose reaction with n-hexyl bromide results in transalkylation of the ester group to afford 3-exo-[5-(2-hexyloxycarbonylethyl)isoxazol-3-ylmethyl]-5,5,6-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one oxime.     

Substituierte 9-Oxabicyclo[4.2.1]- und 9-Oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane IV. endo,endo-2,5-Dihydroxy-9-oxabicyclo[4.2.1]nonan,endo, endo-, endo,exo- und exo,exo-2,6-Dihydroxy sowie endo,exo-2,7-Dihydroxy-9-oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan; Darstellung und Umwandlungsprodukte

The synthesis of the following compounds and reaction products thereof are described: endo, endo-2,5-dihydroxy-9-oxabicyclo[4.2.1]nonane ( 3–5 ), epimeric 2,6-dihydroxy-9-oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes (endo, endo: 6–8 , exo, exo: 29–32 , and endo, exo: 43–45 ), and endo, exo 2,7-dihydroxy-9-oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane ( 46–50 ).     

A Chemical Investigation of the Volatile Constituents of East Indian Sandalwood Oil (SantalumalbumL.)

Distillation foreruns from East Indian sandalwood oil (Santalum album L .), representing 5–8% of the oil, have been investigated using fractional distillation, preparative column chromatography, gas liquid chromatography (GLC.), and chemical treatments. This allowed the isolation and characterization by their spectral data of 46 compounds. 32 of them were newly identified sandalwood oil constituents including 4 novel substances: santalone ( 2 ), 4-methylcyclohexa-1,3-dien-1-yl methyl ketone ( 4 ), 5,6-dimethyl-5-norbornen-exo-2-ol ( 7 ), and (E)-5-(2,3-dimethyl-3-nortricyclyl)-pent-3-en-2-one ( 20 ). The other constituents identified were 1-furfuryl-pyrrole ( 10 ) and 10 phenols accompanied by 17 terpene and sesquiterpene derivatives. Endo-2,endo-3-dimethyl-norbornan-exo-2-ol ( 6 ), an α-santenol ( z ), precursor, was present in the last group of constituents. The compounds 2, 4, 6, 7, 20 have been synthesized as well as another novel constituent, endo-2-mythyl-3-methylidene-norbornan-exo-2-ol ( 5 ).     

Synthèse et désamination enzymatique des C-hydroxyméthyl-3′- et C-méthyl-3′-β-D-xylofurannosyl-9-adénines

Synthesis and enzymatic deamination of 3′-C-hydroxymethyl- and 3′-C-methyl-β-D -xylofuranosyl-9-adenines The title compounds have been prepared by classical synthetic steps after having optimized the nature of the blocking groups. Both nucleosides were found to be substrates of adenosine aminohydrolase which proved that C(3′)-branched-chain sugar nucleosides can be deaminated when the branched-chain is exo (trans relative to the base) if a suitably disposed hydroxy group is available on the endo side of the furanose ring.     

An Investigation into Domino‐Heck Reactions of N‐Acylamino‐Substituted Tricyclic Imides: Synthesis of New Prospective Pharmaceuticals

Heck and domino‐Heck reactions of unsaturated N‐acylamino‐substituted tricyclic imides with aryl(heteroaryl) iodides and phenyl‐ or (trimethylsilyl)acetylene were either carried out in the presence of formate or phenyl‐ and (trimethylsilyl)acetylene, respectively. The C? C coupling reactions appeared to be completely diastereoselective, giving the corresponding N‐acylamino‐5‐exo‐aryl (heteroaryl)‐ ( 5a – c, 6a , b ), N‐(benzoylamino)‐5‐exo‐phenyl‐6‐exo‐[(trimethylsilyl)ethynyl]‐ ( 5d ), or 5‐exo‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐N‐(2,2‐dimethylpropanoylamino)‐6‐exo‐(phenylethynyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane‐2‐endo,3‐endo‐dicarboximide ( 6c ) (Schemes 3 and 4).     

Etude dans la Série Bicyclo [2.2.2]octanique: IV—Influence de l'Anisotropie Magnétique d'un Groupement Géminé Chloro-Nitrile sur les Déplacements Chimiques des Protons des Bicyclo[2.2.2]octènes

¹H n.m.r. spectra in a series of 1- or 3-acetoxy-6-chloro-6-cyanobicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-enes and 6-chloro-6-cyanobicyclo[2.2.2]octan-3-ones have been analysed. The anisotropic contribution of the geminal substituents CI and CN is discussed and evaluated using McConnell's equation. The results obtained allow us to assign the endo or exo position of these substituents for these compounds and confirm the conclusions in the literature.     

The stereostructure of trimers of biacetyl

Structures of two trimers of biacetyl were determined on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence and the single-crystal X-ray analysis. The compounds are shown to be exo-3, endo-7-diacetyl-1- hydroxy-endo-3,5,exo-7-trimethyl-cis-2,4,6-trioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octanc (2) and 11-hydroxy-1,3,5,7,11- pentamethyl-cis-2,4,6,8-tetraoxatricyclo[3.3.3.0^3.7]undecan-9-one(3).     

Acid-Catalyzed Rearrangements of 5,6-exo-Epoxy-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl Derivatives. Migratory Aptitudes of Acyl vs. Alkyl Groups in Wagner-Meerwein Transpositions

In the presence of HSO₃F/Ac₂O in CH₂CL₂, 2-exo- and 2-endo-cyano-5,6-exo-epoxy-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl acetates ( 6a , b ) gave products derived from the epoxide-ring opening and a 1,2-shift of the unsubstituted alkyl group (σ bond C(3)–C(4)). In contrast, under similar conditions, the 5,6-exo-epoxy-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one ( 6c ) gave 5-oxo-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-3,7-diyl diacetates 20 and 21 arising from the 1,2-shift of the acyl group. Acid treatment of 5,6-exo-epoxy-2,2-dimethoxy-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane ( 6d ) and of 5,6-exo-epoxy-2,2-bis(benzyloxy)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane ( 6e ) gave minor products arising from epoxide-ring opening and the 1,2-shift of σ bond C(3)–C(4) and major products ( 25 , 29 ) arising from the 1,3-shift of a methoxy and benzyloxy group, respectively. Under similar conditions, 5,6-exo-epoxy-2,2-ethylenedioxy-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane ( 6f ) gave 1,1-(ethylenedioxy)-2-(2-furyl)ethyl acetate ( 32 , major) and a minor product 33 , arising from the 1,2-shift of σ bond C(3)–C(4). The following order of migratory aptitudes for 1,2-shifts toward electron-deficient centers has been established: acyl > alkyl > alkyl α-substituted with inductive electron-withdrawing groups. This order is valid for competitive Wagner-Meerwein rearrangements involving equilibria between carbocation intermediates with similar exothermicities.     

Extensive hydrogen and halogen bonding,and absence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding between alcohol and nitro groups in a series of endo‐nitronorbornanol compounds

The influence of the substituent at the C2 position on the hydrogen‐bonding patterns is compared for a series of five related compounds, namely (±)‐3‐exo,6‐exo‐dibromo‐5‐endo‐hydroxy‐3‐endo‐nitrobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane‐2‐exo‐carbonitrile, C₈H₈Br₂N₂O₃, (II), (±)‐3‐exo,6‐exo‐dibromo‐6‐endo‐nitro‐5‐exo‐phenylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan‐2‐endo‐ol, C₁₃H₁₃Br₂NO₃, (III), (±)‐methyl 3‐exo,6‐exo‐dibromo‐5‐endo‐hydroxy‐3‐endo‐nitrobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane‐2‐exo‐carboxylate, C₉H₁₁Br₂NO₅, (IV), (±)‐methyl 3‐exo,6‐exo‐dibromo‐7‐diphenylmethylidene‐5‐endo‐hydroxy‐3‐endo‐nitrobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane‐2‐exo‐carboxylate, C₂₂H₁₉Br₂NO₅, (V), and (±)‐methyl 3‐exo,6‐exo‐dibromo‐5‐endo‐hydroxy‐3‐endo‐nitro‐7‐oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane‐2‐exo‐carboxylate, C₈H₉Br₂NO₆, (VI). The hydrogen‐bonding motif in all five compounds is a chain, formed by O—H...O hydrogen bonds in (III), (IV), (V) and (VI), and by O—H...N hydrogen bonds in (II). All compounds except (III) contain a number of Br...Br and Br...O halogen bonds that connect the chains to each other to form two‐dimensional sheets or three‐dimensional networks. None of the compounds features intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the alcohol and nitro functional groups, as was found in the related compound (±)‐methyl 3‐exo,6‐exo‐dichloro‐5‐endo‐hydroxy‐3‐endo‐nitrobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane‐2‐exo‐carboxylate, (I) [Boeyens, Denner & Michael (1984b). J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. 2, pp. 767–770]. The crystal structure of (V) exhibits whole‐molecule disorder.     

Regioselective Electrophilic Additions of Bicyclo[2.2.n]alk-2-enes Controlled by Remote Epoxide Functions

The electrophilic additions of 2-nitrobenzenesulfenyl chloride to (1RS,2SR,4RS)-spiro[bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,2′-oxirane] ( 12 ) and (1RS,2SR,4RS)-spiro[bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene-2,2′-oxirane] ( 14 ) were not regioselective under condition of kinetic control. However, good regioselectivity was observed for the addition of 2-nitro-benzenesulfenyl chloride to (1RS,2RS,4RS)-spiro[bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,2′-oxirane] ( 13 ), giving (1RS,2SR,4SR,5RS,6RS)-6-exo-(2-nitrophenylthio)spiro[bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2.2′-oxirane]-5-endo-yl chloride ( 24 ) and for the exo addition to (1RS,2RS.4RS)-spiro[bicyclo[2.2.2]oct05-ene-2,2′-oxirane] ( 15 ), giving preferntially (1RS,2SR,4SR,5RS,6 RS)-6-exo-(2-nitrophenylthio) spiro[bicyxlo[2.2.2]octane-2,2′-oxirane]-5-endo-yl chloride ( 30 ). The facial selectivity (electrophilic exo vs. endo attack on the bucyclic alkene) depended on the relative configuration of the spiroepoxide ring in the bicyclo[2.2.2]octenes 14 and 15 . The exo-epoxide 14 was attacked preferentially (6:1) on the endo face by sulfenyl whereas exo attack was preferred (7:2) in the case of the endo-epoxide 15 . No products resulting from transannular ring expansion of the spiro-epoxide moieties could be detected.     

La résonance magnétique du 77Se dans des composés organiques

⁷⁷Se n.m.r. spectra of twenty-six organoselenium compounds, including some with an endocyclic selenium atom, have been recorded. Our measurements complete the scale of chemical shifts previously established by McFarlane. It seems difficult to define a range of chemical shifts which is characteristic of the valency state of selenium or of its endo- or exocyclic position. Some results are discussed qualitatively. In the case of selenolo[2,3-b]thiophene, evidence has been obtained for a ⁴J[Se, H] coupling across the sulphur atom.     

Zur Photodimerisierung von 3-Phenyl-2H-azirinen. Vorläufige Mitteilung

Irradiation of 3-phenyl-2H-azirine ( 2 ) in benzene solution with a high-pressure mercury lamp yields 4,5-diphenyl-1,3-diazabicyclo[3,1,0]hex-3-ene ( 4 ) and not 3-phenylimino-4-phenyl-1-azabicyclo[2,1,0]pentane ( 1 ), as had been reported previously by others [2]. 2-Methyl-3-phenyl-2H-azirine ( 3 ) yields on irradiation a 2:1 mixture of 2-exo, 6-exo- and 2-exdo, 6-exo-dimethyl-4,5-diphenyl-1,3-diazabicyclo[3,1,0]hex-3-ene (2-exo,6-exo- and 2-endo, 6-exo- 5 ). Irradiation of 2,3-diphenyl-2H-azirine ( 8 ) leads to the formation of 2,4,5-triphenyl-imidazole ( 9 ) and tetra-phenylpyrazine ( 10 ). The suggested reaction path for the generation of 9 and 10 is shown in Scheme 2.     

Interactions intramoléculaires. XXVI—Constantes de couplage et hétérogénéités conformationnelles dans une série de R-3 et R-5 cyano-4 cyclohexènes deutériés (R=méthyl ou t-butyl)

For trans-3-R- and 5-R-1-acetoxy-4-cyanocyclohexene-6,6-d₂ the molar fractions of diequatorial conformers are 0.83 (3-methyl), 0.68 (5-methyl), 0.57 (3-tert-butyl) and 0.55–0.69 (5-tert-butyl). For the last two compounds the values of the coupling constants are in agreement with the hypothesis of an ee?aa equilibrium. For the cis isomers, the molar fractions of equatorial alkyl conformers are 0.76 (3-methyl and 5-methyl) and 1.0 (3-tert-butyl and 5-tert-butyl). The cis-1-acetoxy-3-tert-butyl-4-methoxycarbonyl-cyclohexene presents a conformational heterogeneity. The conformational free energy of the methyl group in position 4 has been evaluated as ?0.6 kcal mol^?1 (2.5 kJ mol^?1).     

Reaction of N-substituted <Emphasis Type="Italic">exo</Emphasis>-2-hydroxy-5-oxo-4-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0<Superscript>3,7</Superscript>]nonane-<Emphasis Type="Italic">endo</Emphasis>-9-carboxamides with acetic acid

Acylation of N-substituted exo-2-hydroxy-5-oxo-4-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^3,7]nonane-endo-9-carboxamides on heating in boiling glacial acetic acid gave the corresponding trans-diacetoxy imides of the norbornane series. The effect of the reaction time on the product composition was studied in the reaction with exo-2-hydroxy-N-(4-methylphenyl)-5-oxo-4-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^3,7]nonane-endo-9-carboxamide. The structure of the resulting norbornane-2,3-dicarboximides was confirmed by IR, ¹H NMR, and mass spectra, and the structure of N-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)-exo-2,endo-3-diacetoxybicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-endo-5,endo-6-dicarboximide was additionally proved by X-ray analysis.     

Reaction of 3-Methyleneisocamphanone with Derivatives of Malonic Acid

Reaction of 3-methyleneisocamphanone with malononitrile, ethyl cyanoacetate or diethyl malonate in the presence of catalytic quantities of alkali or under catalysis with tetramethylguanidine in ethanol proceeds according to classical scheme of the Michael reaction and gives rise to 3-exo-(2,2-dicyanoethyl)-, 3-exo-(2-cyano-2-ethoxycarbonylethyl)-, or 3-exo-(2,2-diethoxycarbonylethyl)isocamphanone respectively. When the reaction with ethyl cyanoacetate and diethyl malonate is carried out in methanol occurs transalkylation of the ester groups resulting in the corresponding methyl esters, and in THF occurs hydrolysis to form carboxylic acids. In ethanol or methanol in the presence of equimolar or excess amounts of alkali compounds with cyano groups suffer cyclization into the corresponding 2-alkoxy-3-cyano- or 1-alkoxy-3-alkoxycarbonyl-7,7,8-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hepteno[2.3-b]pyridines. In THF partially form analogous tricyclic 2-hydroxypyridines.     

The Diels-Alder Reactivity of 2,2′-Ethylidenebis[3,5-dimethylfuran] and Exploratory Chemistry of the Mono-adducts

In the presence of Me₃Al, 1-cyanovinyl acetate added to 2,2′-ethylidenebis[3,5-dimethylfuran] ( 1 ) to give a 20:10:1:1 mixture of mono-adducts 4,5,6 , and 7 resulting from the same regiocontrol (‘para’ orienting effect of the 5-methyl substituent in 1 ). The additions of a second equiv. of dienophile to 4–7 were very slow reactions. The major mono-adducts 4 (solid) and 5 (liquid) have 2-exo-carbonitrile groups. The molecular structure of 4 (1RS,1′RS,2SR,4SR)-2-exo-cyano-4-[1-(3,5-dimethylfuran-2-yl)ethyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-endo-yl acetate) was determined by X-ray single-crystal radiocrystallography. Mono-adducts 4 and 5 were saponified into the corresponding 7-oxanorbornenones 8 and 9 which were converted with high stereoselectivity into (1RS,1′SR,4RS,5RS,6RS)-4-[1-(3,5-dimethyl furan-2-yl)ethyl]-6-exo-methoxy-1,5-endo-dimethyl-7-oxabicyclo [2.2.1]heptan-2-one dimethyl acetal ( 12 ) and its (1′RS-stereoisomer 12a , respectively. Acetal hydrolysis of 12a followed by treatment with (t-Bu)Me₂SiOSO₂CF₃ led to silylation and pinacol rearrangement with the formation of (1RS,1′RS,5RS,6RS)-4-[(tert-butyl)dimethy lsilyloxy]-1-(3,5-dimethylfuran-2-yl)ethyl]-5-methoxy-6-methyl-3-methylidene- 2-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane ( 16 ). In the presence of Me₃Al, dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate added to 12 giving a major adduct 19 which was hydroborated and oxidized into (1RS,1′RS,2″RS,3″RS,4SR,4″RS,5 SR,6SR)-dimethyl 5-exo-hydroxy-4,6-endo-dimethyl-1-[1-(3-exo,5,5-trimeth oxy-2-endo,4-dimethyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl)ethyl]-7-oxabicyclo [2.2.1]hept-2-ene-2,3-dicarboxylate ( 20 ). Acetylation of alcohol 20 followed by C?C bond cleavage afforded (1′RS,1″SR,2RS,2′″SR,3RS, 3″SR,4RS,4″SR,5RS)-dimethyl {3-acetoxy-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2,4-dimethyl-5-[1-(3-exo,5,5-trimethoxy ?2-endo,4-dimethyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl)-ethyl]furan-2,5-diyl} bis[glyoxylate] ( 24 ).     

Exo conformers of N‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐ and N‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)norbornene‐5,6‐dicarboximide crystals

Two isomeric pyridine‐substituted norbornenedicarboximide derivatives, namely N‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐exo‐norbornene‐5,6‐dicarboximide, (I), and N‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)‐exo‐norbornene‐5,6‐dicarboximide, (II), both C₁₄H₁₂N₂O₄, have been crystallized and their structures unequivocally determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The molecules consist of norbornene moieties fused to a dicarboximide ring substituted at the N atom by either pyridin‐2‐yl or pyridin‐3‐yl in an anti configuration with respect to the double bond, thus affording exo isomers. In both compounds, the asymmetric unit consists of two independent molecules (Z′ = 2). In compound (I), the pyridine rings of the two independent molecules adopt different conformations, i.e. syn and anti, with respect to the methylene bridge. The intermolecular contacts of (I) are dominated by C—H...O interactions. In contrast, in compound (II), the pyridine rings of both molecules have an anti conformation and the two independent molecules are linked by carbonyl–carbonyl interactions, as well as by C—H...O and C—H...N contacts.     

The Synthesis and Chemistry of 1,3‐Bridged Polycyclic Cyclopropenes: 8‐Oxatricyclo[3.2.1.02,4]octa‐2,6‐dienes

Three 1,3‐bridged polycyclic cyclopropenes, exo‐8‐oxatricyclo[3.2.1.0^2,4]octa‐2,6‐diene ( 10 ), endo‐8‐oxatricyclo[3.2.1.0^2,4]octa‐2,6‐diene ( 11 ), and exo‐6,7‐benzo‐1,5‐diphenyl‐8‐oxatricyclo[3.2.1.0^2,4]octa‐2,6‐diene ( 12 ), have been synthesized by elimination of 2‐chloro‐3‐trimethylsilyl‐8‐oxatricyclo[3.2.1.0^2,4]‐oct‐6‐enes, 17 , 18 and 30 , which were generated from 1‐chloro‐3‐trimethylsilylcyclopropene with furan and diphenylisobenzofuran. We have demonstrated a facile route to synthesize the highly strained 1,3‐fused polycyclic cyclopropenes, 10 , 11 , and 12 . The stereochemistry of the Diels‐Alder reactions of cyclopropene 16 with furan and DPIBF are different. Cyclopropene 16 was treated with furan to form exo‐exo and endo‐exo adducts (5:2) and treated with DPIBF to generate an exo‐exo adduct. Compounds 10 , 11 and 12 undergo isomerization reactions to form benzaldehyde and phenyl 4‐phenyl‐[1]naphthyl ketone to release strain energies via diradical mechanisms.     

Five bicyclo[3.3.0]octa‐2,6‐dienes

A series of five compounds containing the bicyclo[3.3.0]octa‐2,6‐diene skeleton are described, namely tetramethyl cis,cis‐3,7‐dihydroxybicyclo[3.3.0]octa‐2,6‐diene‐2,4‐exo,6,8‐exo‐tetracarboxylate, C₁₆H₁₈O₁₀, (I), tetramethyl cis,cis‐3,7‐dihydroxy‐1,5‐dimethylbicyclo[3.3.0]octa‐2,6‐diene‐2,4‐exo,6,8‐exo‐tetracarboxylate, C₁₈H₂₂O₁₀, (II), tetramethyl cis,cis‐3,7‐dimethoxybicyclo[3.3.0]octa‐2,6‐diene‐2,4‐exo,6,8‐exo‐tetracarboxylate, C₁₈H₂₂O₁₀, (III), tetramethyl cis,cis‐3,7‐dimethoxy‐1,5‐dimethylbicyclo[3.3.0]octa‐2,6‐diene‐2,4‐exo,6,8‐exo‐tetracarboxylate, C₂₀H₂₆O₁₀, (IV), and tetramethyl cis,cis‐3,7‐diacetoxybicyclo[3.3.0]octa‐2,6‐diene‐2,4‐exo,6,8‐exo‐tetracarboxylate, C₂₀H₂₂O₁₂, (V). The bicyclic core is substituted in all cases at positions 2, 4, 6 and 8 with methoxycarbonyl groups and additionally at positions 3 and 7 with hydroxy [in (I) and (II)], methoxy [in (III) and (IV)] or acetoxy [in (V)] groups. The conformations of the methoxycarbonyl groups at positions 2 and 4 are exo for all five compounds. Each C₅ ring of the bicyclic skeleton is almost planar, but the rings are not coplanar, with dihedral angles of 54.93 (7), 69.85 (5), 64.07 (4), 80.74 (5) and 66.91 (7)° for (I)–(V), respectively, and the bicyclooctadiene system adopts a butterfly‐like conformation. Strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds exist between the –OH and C=O groups in (I) and (II), with O...O distances of 2.660 (2) and 2.672 (2) Å in (I), and 2.653 (2) and 2.635 (2) Å in (II). The molecular packing is stabilized by weaker C—H...O(=C) interactions, leading to dimers in (I)–(III) and to a chain structure in (V). The structure series presented in this article shows how the geometry of the cycloocta‐2,6‐diene skeleton changes upon substitution in different positions and, consequently, how the packing is modified, although the intermolecular interactions are basically the same across the series.