The partial configurations of C-25 isoprenoid alkenes isolated from the dia
tom Haslea ostrearia Gaillon (Simonsen) have been established. A combinatio
n of NMR spectroscopy studies of the alkenes with chiral shift reagents in
conjunction with soluble silver beta-diketonate complexes and enantioselect
ive gas chromatography of oxidation products of the alkenes was used. Unexp
ected differences in highly branched isoprenoid isomer configurations were
observed between different laboratory cultures of the alga. (C) 2000 Elsevi
er Science Ltd. All rights reserved.