The partial configurations of C25 isoprenoid alkenes isolated from the diatom Haslea ostrearia Gaillon (Simonsen) have been established. A combination of NMR spectroscopy studies of the alkenes with chiral shift reagents in conjunction with soluble silver beta-diketonate complexes and enantioselective gas chromatography of oxidation products of the alkenes was used. Unexpected differences in highly branched isoprenoid isomer configurations were observed between different laboratory cultures of the alga.