Direct preparation of (Z,Z)-1,4-dienic units with a new C6 homologating agent: Synthesis of α-linolenic acid

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1995-3906

Syntheses of two C6 homologating agents 2a and 2f are described. These agents allow direct access to the (Z,Z)-1,4-diene unit 3, a moiety present in a wide number of natural compounds. Compound 2a is prepared in 40% overall yield by selective epoxidation of methoxycyclohexa-1,4-diene followed by oxidative ring cleavage and transatalization. Compound 2f is obtained in 90% yield by a one-step oxidative dimerization of phosphonium salt 1. A short synthetic application of these two new C6 homologating agents to the synthesis of α-linolenic acid is described.