Ultrasound assisted synthesis of 5,9-dimethylpentadecane and 5,9-dimethylhexadecane - The sex pheromones of Leucoptera coffeella

Abstract

Racemic 5,9-dimethylpentadecane and 5,9-dimethylhexadecane, the major and minor constituents, respectively, of the sex pheromone of Leucoptera coffeella, have been synthesized from citronellol in 56-58% overall yield through six steps. Ultrasound irradiation efficiently supported tosylation of alcohols (two steps) as well as the subsequent cross coupling reactions with the pertinent Grignard reagents (also two steps). © 2007 by MDPI.