Convenient synthesis of myristicinaldehyde

Abstract

The conversion of isomyristicin to a Schiff base of myristicinaldehyde is described. The subsequent hydrolysis of this base to the free aldehyde establishes a convenient preparation of this material. Apiolealdehyde is similarly generated from isoapiole, suggesting that this procedure may have general application in the conversion of the natural aromatic ethers of essential oils to the correspondingly substituted benzaldehydes.