The 13C-n.m.r. spectra and the conformations of heptitols in solution

The 13 C-n.m.r. signals of the heptitols in aqueous solution, and of their acetates in chloroform solution, have been assigned by the use of specifically deuterium-substituted compounds. From these spectra, the preponderant conformation of each heptitol has been determined, particularly by comparisons with the spectra of the homomorphous hexitols. The results are in good agreement with the predictions made, on the basis of theoretical considerations, by J.A. Mills ten years ago.