Revision of the absolute configuration of the tricyclic sesquiterpene (+)-kelsoene by chemical correlation and enantiospecific total synthesis of its enantiomer.

The absolute configuration of the recently identified sesquiterpene (+)-kelsoene was revised by chemical correlation with (R)-(+)-pulegone; the correct structure is (1R,2S,5R,6R,7R,8S)-2,8-dimethyl-6-(1-methylethenyl)tricyclo[5.3.0.0 (2,5)]decane.