R R'= CH3 ration. Indeed, although methanolysis of 1 was earlier reported5 to give monoesters 2b and 2c, we find that of the two initially formed monoesters 3b and 3c only the former undergoes stereomutation. We have also obtained and characterized the dimethyl ester 3d14 and, in solution, the dianion of the elusive acid 3a, neither of which stereomutates spontaneously.
