The structure and absolute configuration of (-)-beta-Sesquiphellandrene ((-
)-1a) is shown to be (6S)-2-methyl-6-[(1'R)-4-methylidcnecyclohex- 2-enyl]h
ept-2-ene by stereospecific synthesis of its enantiomer ((+)- 1a) and of a
further (6S,1'S)-diastereoisomer ((+)-1b). Characteristic spectroscopic dif
ferences in both diastereoisomeric series are discussed.