Pheromones of insects and their analogs

Abstract

Dodec-8Z-en-1-ol (VIII) and tetradec-8Z-en-1-ol (IX) and the corresponding acetates (X and IX) — components of the sex pheromones of many species of Lepidoptera — have been synthesized from cyclooctene (I) in three stages. The ozonolysis of (I) (−70°C, CH₂Cl₂-MeOH, NaHCO₃; −20°C, Ac₂O/Et₃N) led to methyl 8-oxooctanoate (II). The DNPH of (II), (III), mp 59–61°C. The coupling of (II) with n-C₃H₁₇ CH=PPh₃ (IV) or with n-C₅H₁₁ CH=PPh₃ (V) (−70°C, 2 h; 25°C, 15 h, Ar) gave the methyl esters of dodec-8Z-enoic (VI) and tetradec-8Z-enoic (VII) acids, respectively. The reduction of (VI) and (VII) [(i-Bu)₂AlH, 0°C, 2 h; 25°C, 15 h] gave the corresponding alcohols (VIII) and (IX) by the acetylation (Ac₂O-Py, 25°C, 24 h) of which, (X) and (XI), were obtained. The yields (%): (II) 80, (VI) 45, (VII) 60, (VIII) 95, (IX) 90, (X) 75, (XI) 74. The IR and PMR spectra of compounds (II) and (VI–XI) are given.