Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 1970, Vol. 13, So. 4 755 ... 9, trans 10, cis ity. biological activity. Sone of the compounds tested showed significant ... Experimental Section* Methyl 2-Acetonyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-7-methoxy-l-oxo-2- phenanthrenecarboxylate (I).-Hydration of 12 in AcOH, HCOOH, and HzO catalyzed by Hg2+ produced 1 in a yield of 95%, mp 160-162'. Anal. (C20H2006) C, H. 2-Acetonyl-3,4-dihydro-7-methoxy-2-methyl-l(2H)- ...