We describe the stable conformation of the tricyclic sesquiterpenoid, longifolene, by experimental NMR data and molecular mechanics calculations of the coupling constants. The flexible seven-membered ring of longifolene adopts a twist-chair conformation. Analysis of the coupling constants, particularly of the methylene protons in the cycloheptane ring moiety, agrees with this low-energy conformation. Low-temperature NMR experiments and nuclear Overhauser effect measurements indicate that there is a single exchange-averaged NMR spectrum that has the highest population of the most stable conformer.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.