The conformation of (1R,2S,4R,5S)-2,4-dimethoxybicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-one and some related compounds

A mixture of stereoisomers of 2,4-dimethoxybicyclo3.3.1]nonan-9-one was prepared, separated by column chromatography and characterized by 60 MHz ¹H NMR spectroscopy using Eu(fod)₃. A double chair conformation with axial methoxyl groups is established for (1R,2S,4R,5S)-2,4-dimethoxybicyclo3.3.1]-nonan-9-one on the basis of the J(12), J(2,H-3 exo) and J(2,3 endo) values and the chemical shifts for H-2(4). The conformation of some related compounds is subsequently inferred.