Ethanol → trans Ethyl 11-ethoxy-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,4-dienoate

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Reaction Steps

Fifteen grams of mercuric acetate in 50 ml. of dry ethanol is added to 12 g. of trans ethyl 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,4,10-trienoate in 30 ml. of dry ethanol cooled in an ice bath. The temperature is allowed to come to room temperature by standing overnight. Then the mixture is cooled to 0°, 10 g. of potassium hydroxide in 150 ml. of ethanol is added followed by addition of 1.0 g. of sodium borohydride in small portions. After about 30 minutes at 0°, water is added and mixture left at room temperature for 2 hours. The mixture is filtered, filtrate concentrated and extracted with ether. The ethereal extract is washed, dried, and evaporated to yield trans ethyl 11-ethoxy-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,4-dienoate which is purified by distillation or chromatography.

Provenance & Evidence