Conformational studies were performed on the bicyclo [ 4.2.0 loctane system of a series of related tetracyclic diterpenes, using molecular mechanics and 'H NMR. Both methods gave compatible results, but did not permit the deduction of any quantitative relationship linking the vicinal coupling constants to the cyclobutane dihedral angles. Nevertheless, the Karplus relationship allowed a qualitative interpretation of the coupling constants in terms of conformation. A set of characteristic 'H NMR coupling constants was obtained which allows the interpretation of the 'H NMR spectrum of any compound presenting a similar system. KEY WORDS NMR double irradiation Internal coupling constants of cyclobutane Karplus relationship MM2 calculations Conformational analysis 2H-CycIobutan[jl-5-hydroxy-8,8,1 latrimethyldodcecahydro[3aS-(3aar,5aRZ,7aa,1 la/3,ll ba)]phenanthren-3(3aH)-one Synthesis The synthesis of the series A compounds was described in Ref. 21 for 17, Ref. 22 for 2H-cyclobutanE]-5-hydroxy-8,8,1 l atrimethyldodecahydro[3aS -(3aa,SaR*,7aa,l lab, llba)]phenanthren-3(3aH)one 1, 2, 7, 8, 14 and 19 and Ref. 20 for the others. The compounds were obtained from