A Concise Synthesis of (−)‐Ambrox

Abstract

Abstract(−)‐Ambrox, a highly prized and commercially significant component of ambergris, finds widespread application in perfumery, cigarettes, cosmetics, and the food industry. Despite considerable attention to this research area over the years, an environmentally friendly and practical method for synthesizing (−)‐ambrox has remained elusive. This study presents a succinct and efficient approach to (−)‐ambrox synthesis, involving two consecutive alkylations at C‐6, followed by an acid‐catalyzed cyclization to give bicyclic ketones starting from (R)‐carvone. Subsequent reduction, Barton Vinyl Iodide synthesis, alkylation, and an acid‐catalyzed cyclization collectively achieved the synthesis of (−)‐ambrox with a satisfactory yield of 26.2 %.