Novel Synthesis of Optically Active α-Terpineol and 2, 6-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol

Abstract

The equimolar mixtures of limonene or 2, 6-dimethyl-2, 7-octadiene and chlorinated acetic acids (monochloro, dichloro or trichloroacetic acid) was stirred for 1.5-46 hours from room temperature to 100°C with or without solvent (dichloroethane, benzene or water) and cation exchange resine.
Hydration of limonene furnished optically active a-terpineol with high conversion (86% at best) and selectivity. Similarly, hydration of 2, 6-dimethyl-2, 7-octadiene gave only optically active 2, 6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol with high conversion (76% at best).