A convenient method for the assignment of relative configuration of acyclic α-alkyl-β-hydroxy carbonyl compounds by 1H NMR

The relative configuration of acyclic alpha-alkyl-beta-hydroxy carbonyl compounds can be determined by using H-1 NMR spectroscopy. The assignment can be achieved by recording the H-1 NMR spectrum of the syn-anti mixture. The upfield carbinol hydrogen signal belongs to the anti whereas the downfield to the syn stereoisomer.