Use of organoboranes in the synthesis of pheromones: A convenient synthesis of (Z)-6-heneicosen-11-one and (Z)-5-undecen-2-one, pheromones from the Douglas Fir Tussock Moth and the Bontebok, respectively

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1993-26016

Treatment of thexylborane with a halomagnesiumdialkylcuprate afforded the corresponding (R-alkyl)thexylborane in favourable yields. A second reaction with a halomagnesiumdialkenylcuprate produced the totally mixed (R-alkyl)(E-alkenyl)thexylborane. Subsequent treatment with sodium cyanide and benzoyl chloride followed by alkaline peroxide yielded an unsaturated ketone. In this way, (Z)-6-heneicosen-11-one, a sex pheromone of the Douglas Fir Tussock Moth, and (Z)-5-undecen-2-one, a pheromone from the pedal gland of the Bontebok, were prepared.