Conformation of 2,3-caranediols and 3-hydroxy-2-caranones

Abstract

1. The hydroxyl groups in 2β,3α-caranediol occupy diaxial positions, and those in 2α,3β-caranediol occupy diequatorial positions. 2. 2α,3α-Caranediol and 2β,3β-caranediol exist predominantly in forms with an axial tertiary OH group and a quasiequatorial OH group. 3. The six-membered ring in 3β- and 3α-hydroxy-2-caranone has been ascribed a conformation intermediate between the half-chair and the boat conformation with a quasiequatorial OH group in the former species and a predominantly quasiaxial OH group in the latter species. © 1980 Plenum Publishing Corporation.