Compounds of the menthane series. Synthesis of unsaturated primary alcohols with the o- and p-menthane skeletons

Abstract

Precursors to terpene alcohols of the o- and p-menthane series (o-cimen-7-ol and o- and p-cimen-9-ols) were synthesized, and their reduction with lithium in ethylenediamine was studied. The reduction of o- and p-cimen-9-ols in the presence of isopropyl alcohol selectively afforded the corresponding 1,4-dihydro derivatives. Under analogous conditions, o-cimen-7-ol was converted into a mixture of unsaturated hydrocarbons. The reduction with lithium in ethylenediamine in the absence of isopropyl alcohol in all cases gave mixtures of menthene alcohols.