Conformational calculations on 8-hydroxy-germacrene B 1 with the MNDO method led to a correct prediction of the most stable conformer. Reaction of 1 with diimide resulted in regio- selective reduction which leads to the formation of two racemic mixtures of 4, 5-dihydro-8- hydroxy-germacrene B (2+ 3). The ratio of 2 and 3 could be predicted by conformational analysis The regioselectivity of the reduction may be attributed to differences in sp2-sp3 ...
