The solid-state structure of ( -) -a-lobeline hydrobromide has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. ( -)-a-Lobeline hydrobromide gives crystals belonging to the orthorhombic P2,2,2, space group, and at 298 K: a = 6.0100(3), b = 11.7177(4), c = 28.977(2) A, V = 2040.7(2), 2 = 4, R ( F ) = 0.030, and RJF) = 0.022. The (2R,6S,CBS)-absolute configuration was determined from the effects of anomalous dispersion of the bromine atom. The N-methyl group exists in an axial configuration similar to that previously described for the hydrochloride salt.However, in the hydrobromide salt the phydroxyphenethyl residue exhibits a different conformation from that noted for the hydrochloride salt. 'H and 13C NMR spectroscopy for the hydrochloride salt dissolved in CD2C12 shows axial-and equatorial-N-methyl solution-state diastereoisomers in the ratio ca. 5:1, respectively. The major contributors to the time-averaged structures of the salt in D20 and the free base in CDCI, also show axial N-methyl orientations. Conformational differences for the acetophenonyl and P-hydroxyphenethyl moieties were found in the two N-methyl epimers, as well as in the time-averaged salt (D20) and free base (CDCI,) structures. The putative bioactive conformation of the nicotine agonist was found to have a different acetophenonyl arm conformation than that found in both crystals. The nicotine agonist (2R,6S,CBS)-( -)-a-lobeline (( -)-2-[6-(fl-hydroxyphenethy1)-1 -methyl-2-piperidyl]acetophenone, 1) is a natural product isolated from LobeZia inflata L, and LobeZiaceae (Indian tobacco).' It is structurally related to the sedum alkaloid (2S,C,S)-( -)-sedamine [( -)-2-p-hydroxyphenethyl-1-methylpiperidine, 2].2 The hydrochloride salt of the lobelia alkaloid is utilized therapeutically as a respiratorystimulant. ' 1 2Paper 2/01019D