Abstract: The absolute configuration of (-)-trans-1, 2-dimethylcyclodecene (4) has been determined to be R through chemical correlation with (+)-dimethyl (2R)-2-butyl-2- methyloctanedioate (13). Diester 13 was prepared from (+)-(4aS)-4a-methyl-2, 3, 4, 4a, 5, 6, 7, 8-octahydronaphthalen-2-one (12) through a sequence involving Eschenmoser fragmentation of the related epoxy ketone, hydrogenation of the resulting acetylenic side ...
