| Abstract: | Two isomeric cucurbitane derivatives, 3β,7α,11β‐triacetoxycucurbit‐5(10)‐ene, (I), and 3β,7α,11β‐triacetoxy‐5α‐cucurbit‐1(10)‐ene, (II), both C36H58O6, have their single endocyclic C=C double bonds in different positions. This results in differences in the conformation of the four‐ring system, which is close to a half‐chair/half‐chair/chair/half‐chair arrangement in (I) and to a half‐chair/twist‐boat/boat/half‐chair arrangement in (II). The orientation of some of the substituents is also different; the 3β‐acetoxy group is in an equatorial position in (I) but in an axial position in (II), while the 11β‐acetoxy group occupies an axial position in (I) and an equatorial position in (II). The asymmetric unit of (I) contains two symmetry‐independent molecules which do not differ significantly, being related by a pseudo‐twofold axis of symmetry. In both structures, the aliphatic chain fragments are disordered and the disorder persists at lower temperatures. |
