Synthesis of the Germination Stimulants (±)-Orobanchol and (±)-Strigol via an Allylic Rearrangement

Abstract

(+)-Orobanchol and (+)-strigol are naturally occurring germination stimulants for the seeds of parasitic weeds Striga and Orobanche. This paper describes an efficient synthesis of (±)-orobanchol and (±)-strigol via allylic rearrangement of lactones (±)-12 and (±)-14, respectively.