Synthesis 2006(7): 1171-1175  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-926392
PAPER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Synthesis of an Ambergris-Type Ketal from Abietic Acid

M. Céu Costa*, S. P. Alves, M. Eduarda Correia, M. João Marcelo-Curto
Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Tecnologia e Inovação, Estrada do Paço do Lumiar, Ed. F, 1649-038 Lisbon, Portugal
Fax: +351(21)7168100; e-Mail: ceu.costa@mail2.ineti.pt;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 21 October 2005
Publication Date:
14 March 2006 (online)

Abstract

Abietic acid, the main component of pine rosin, was used as starting material for the hemisynthesis of the ambergris-type ketal. The key intermediate step consisted of the synthesis of an exocyclic olefin through appropriate handling of a very sensitive aldehyde generated as an intermediate precursor.