Abstract
S-(−)-trans-Verbenol (1) and its antipode, R-(+)-trans-verbenol (1′) have been confirmed as the critical pheromone components of bark beetles. Synthesis of these two active secondary alcohols (1 and 1′) from commercially available starting materials S-α-pinene and R-α-pinene was reported. The key steps were mainly depended on the effective SN2 stereo-inversion of the hydroxy group of sterically hindered alcohols (3 and 3′), using Mitsunobu reaction or hydrolysis of mesylate ester, alternatively. Our results provide a new and stereo-selectivity way to obtain optically active insect pheromones.
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Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.