Structural Dynamics of Pentadienyl Metal-Compounds Bearing a Terminal Alkyl Substituent: Both 'Stereoselective' and 'Stereodefensive' Synthesis of a Natural Perfume

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/hlca.19800630832

The (2Z,4E)-, (2E,4Z)- and (2E,4E)-isomers of 2,4-decandien-1-ol (5) have been obtained with high and predictable stereochemical homogeneity starting from both (Z)- and (E)-1,4-decadiene.These hydrocarbons were hydroxylated in a reaction sequence consisting of metallation (by means of s-butyllithium or butyllithium/potassium-t-butoxide, giving rise to organometallic intermediates of specific conformations), dimethoxyborylation and oxidation.The different decadienols as well as (2E,4Z)-2,4-undecadien-1-ol were converted into the isovalerates, the ester derived from (2E,4Z)-2,4-decadien-1-ol being a natural flavor component.