Total synthesis of (−)-Ambrox® from S-(+)-carvone (part 6)

Abstract

Conjugate addition of cyanide and allyl nucleophiles to S-(+)-carvone followed by annulation with methyl vinyl ketone gave the substituted decalones 2 and 3 stereoselectively. Both decalones were transformed into (−)-Ambrox ® via modification of the sidechain, methylation, conversion of the isopropenyl group and cyclization.