Variable Synthesis of Alcohols and Ketones Using the Grignard Method as a Form of MPVO Reaction

Abstract

The unexpected occurrence of ketones 9 and 16 in addition to expected alcohols 5 and 15 in the synthesis of sesquiterpenes salsolenketone 1 and salsolene oxide 2 during Grignard reactions of the corresponding aldehydes with bromoalkenes under air- and water-free conditions by the Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley–Oppenauer reaction is reported. The product distribution could be influenced by the amounts of aldehyde used.