Synthesis of (Z)- and (E)-3,4-Dimethyl-hex-3-ene-1,6-diols

Abstract

(Z)- and (E)-3,4-dimethyl-hex-3-ene-1,6-diols (1 and 2) have been synthesized in 23% and 68% yields by a three step sequence requiring only one purification at the end. The steps are a) coupling of 2-lithio-1,3-dithiane with (Z)- or (E)-1,4-dibromo-2,3-dimethyl-but-2-ene (3 or 4), b) hydrolysis of the thioketals (8 and 9) with methyl iodide in a mixture of acetonitrile, acetone and water to give the 3,4-dimethyl-hex-3-ene-1,6-diols (10 and 11) and c) reduction with diisobutylaluminum hydride to provide the (Z)- and (E)-diols.