Concise syntheses of insect pheromones using Z-Selective cross metathesis

Abstract

Very short synthetic routes to nine cisolefin-containing pheromones containing a variety of functionality, including an unconjugated (E,Z) diene, are reported (see scheme). These lepidopteran pheromones are used extensively for pest control, and were easily prepared using ruthenium-based Z-selective cross metathesis, highlighting the advantages of this method over less efficient ways to form Z olefins. © 2013 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.