Studies on the Reduction of Terpenes with Sodium in Aqueous Ammonia

Part X. Synthesis of Menthol from Acetone and Formaldehyde

Abstract

On the reduction of the condensation product of mesityloxide with methylvinylketone by treatment with sodium in aqueous ammonia, the main product was (±)-menthol and (±)-isomenthol, which were isolated in pure state. This experimental result suggests the possibility of menthol synthesis from acetone and formaldehyde.