Synthesis and odor of optically active rose oxide

Stereo selective synthesis of optically active rose oxide (1) by KHSO4 and Pd-BINAP-catalyzed cyclization of (3R)- and (3S)-3,7-dimethyl-6,7-octadien-1-ol (5) is described. One-pot synthesis of the (3R)- and (3S)-allenyl alcohol 5 from (3R)- and (3S)-citronellol (2) (98% ee) is also described. Furthermore, the odor properties of the four diastereomers of 1 are reported. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.