10.1246/bcsj.55.3047
The research describes a new and simple synthesis method for (Z)-13-eicosen-10-one and (Z)-12-nonadecen-9-one, which are pheromones of the Japanese peach fruit moth. The synthesis process starts with 1-(p-tolylsulfonyl)nonane and 1-(p-tolylsulfonyl)octane. These compounds are condensed with methyl 4,4-dimethoxybutanoate using lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) to form sulfones. The sulfones are then treated with aluminum amalgam in aqueous tetrahydrofuran (THF) to yield dimethoxy ketones. These ketones are subsequently acidified with hydrochloric acid to form oxo aldehydes. Finally, a salt-free Wittig reaction using heptyltriphenylphosphonium bromide and sodium amide is employed to produce the desired pheromones. The method is advantageous due to its simplicity, short process, and relatively good yield compared to other reported methods.