dl-2'-Methoxy-9β-hydroxymethyl-2, 5-dimethyl-6, 7-benzomorphan was synthesized by hydroboration of 2'-methoxy-9-methylene-2, 5-dimethyl-6, 7-benzomorphan. The β-orientation of the hydroxymethyl group was established by converting IV to the known 9β-methyl derivative. Dehydration of 2'-methoxy-9-hydroxy-2, 5, 9-trimetyl-6, 7-benzomorphan (I) to the 9-methylene derivative (II) produced also a rearrangement product isomeric with II.
