β‐Cleavage of Bis(homoallylic) Potassium Alkoxides. Synthesis of γ‐damascone

Abstract

Abstract Starting from the γ‐lactone cis ‐ 1 , two new syntheses of γ‐damascone (( E )‐ 4 ) are described. In both syntheses, the key step involves the β‐cleavage of a bis(homoallylic) potassium alkoxide, viz. the transformation of 3a to 20 and ( E / Z )‐ 4 , and the conversion of 21a to 23 and ( E / Z )‐ 24 .