The molecular structure of the title tricyclic compound, C(17)H(21)NO(4), which is the immediate precursor of a potent synthetic inhibitor [Lek157: sodium (8S,9R)-10-[(E)-ethylidene]-4-methoxy-11-oxo-1-azatricyclo[7.2.0.0(3,8)]undec-2-ene-2-carboxylate] with remarkable potency, provides experimental evidence for the previously modelled relative position of the fused cyclohexyl ring and the carbonyl group of the beta-lactam ring, which takes part in the formation of the initial tetrahedral acyl-enzyme complex. In this hydrophobic molecule, the overall geometry is influenced by C[bond]H...O intramolecular hydrogen bonds [3.046 (4) and 3.538 (6) A, with corresponding normalized H.O distances of 2.30 and 2.46 A], whereas the molecules are interconnected through intermolecular C[bond]H...O hydrogen bonds [3.335 (4)-3.575 (5) A].