173. β-Cleavage of Bis(homoallylic) Potassium Alkoxides. Preparation of 3-Hydroxypropyl and 4-Hydroxybutyl Propenyl Ketones from γ- and δ-Lactones. Synthesis of (+/-)-Rose Oxide

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/hlca.19870700722

Starting from γ- and δ-lactones 1-3, a two-step preparation of 3-hydroxypropyl and 4-hydroxybutyl propenyl ketones 10-18 is described, involving as the key step the β-cleavage of the bis(homoallylic) potassium alkoxides 4a-9a.This novel methodology is illustrated by a short synthesis of (+/-)-rose oxide (20).