SummaryA full discussion of the configuration of tricyclo [7.1 .1.02*7]undecanes related to cis-10, lO-dimethyltricyclo [7.1.1 .02,7]undec-2-en-4-one (2), the Robinson annelation product from norpinone 1 and 3-buten-2-one is given, based on 360-MHz-NMR. spectra. Nuclear Overhauser effects confirm the cis configuration of 2, and show that the saturated ketone 10, obtained by catalytic hydrogenation, is also all-cis with the cyclohexanone ring in the boat conformation. The parent hydrocarbon, cis-10, lO-dimethyltricyclo [7.1.1 .02.7]undecane is compared with one of the corresponding trans isomers prepared from pinocarvone (14). The stereochemistry of metal hydride reduction and Grignard reaction of 2 is examined.Earlier work has suggested that 'Tricyclone"), the compound formed by Robinson annulation of 3-buten-2-one to the norpinone 1 should be ascribed the cis configuration 2 [I]. This attribution is supported by the observations of Barthklkmy & BessiBre [2] [3] who showed that under non-solvating conditions, the ions formed by addition of HBr to a-pinenes rearrange by migration of the gem-dimethyl bridge (to bornanes) in the case of cis-substitution, and of the methylene bridge (to fenchanes) in the case of trans-substitution. The hydrocarbon 3 derived from 2 rearranges to the bornane 4 under these conditions. Nevertheless, direct spectral evidence for the configuration of 2 was lacking, and we now present a full discussion of the NMR. spectra of this and related substances, and describe the stereochemistry of various reductions of 2.Base-catalyzed deuterium exchange [4] of 2 yielded mainly the tetradeuteriated compound 5, and it was possible to analyze the 360-MHz-'H-NMR. spectrum in detail (see Table I for a list of the chemical shifts of 2, 5, and other related
I )Brand name of Firmenich SA.