Chemical Studies on Ambergris

Part I. Synthesis of the Compounds with Ambergris Odor

Abstract

So called ambreinolal (IV), ^* a component of ambergris, was first synthesized by CrO₃ oxidation of ambreinolol (III)^* which was obtained from ambreinolide (II) by reduction with LiA1H₄. Ambreinolol (III) was converted to the C₁₇-saturated oxide (VII) in a good yield through the monotosylate (VIII) by treatment with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride in pyridine.