Crystal structure determinations demonstrate unambiguously the steric assig
nments of (Z)-2-hydroxy-3,3',4'-trimethoxystilbene (C17H18O4), (E)-2-hydrox
y-3,3',4'-trimethoxystilbene (C17H18O4) and (E)-2-acetoxy-3,3',4'-trimethox
ystilbene (C19H20O5) C-13 NMR data and UV data for the compounds are also r
eported. The steric assignments of structurally related compounds described
in the literature are discussed on the basis of the crystallographic and s
pectral results.