The synthesis and NMR elucidation of five novel penta-cycloundecane amine derivatives are reported. These compounds are potential antituberculosis agents. The (1)H and (13)C spectra showed major overlapping of methine signals of the cage skeleton making it extremely difficult to elucidate these compounds. The overlapping occurs as a result of the additions made to the carbonyl carbon (C-8/C-11) of the cage. The two-dimensional NMR technique proved to be a useful tool in overcoming this problem. All compounds reported are meso compounds thereby not only simplifying the NMR structure elucidation, but also making it indeed possible.
2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.