The Use of Sulfides Derived from Carane, P-Menthane, Pinane, and Bornane in the Synthesis of Optically Active Epoxides

Abstract

Convenient routes for the synthesis of optically active methyl, phenyl, and dimonoterpenyl sulfides derived from carane, p-menthane, pinane, and bornane were developed. Methyl and dimonoterpenyl sulfides have been obtained by the reaction of the corresponding monoterpene thiolates with methyl iodide or monoterpene tosylates. The reactions of monoterpene tosylates with sodium benzenethiolate gave the corresponding phenyl monoterpenyl sulfides. These sulfides were used for the sulfur ylide-mediated reaction to yield epoxides. Good diastereoselectivities up to 99:1 and low to moderate enantioselectivities were observed for the enantioselective synthesis of chiral epoxides.