Ultrasound Assisted Synthesis of 5,9-Dimethylpentadecane and 5,9-Dimethylhexadecane – the Sex Pheromones of Leucoptera coffeella

Abstract

Racemic 5,9-dimethylpentadecane and 5,9-dimethylhexadecane, the major and minor constituents, respectively, of the sex pheromone of Leucoptera coffeella, have been synthesized from citronellol in 56-58% overall yield through six steps. Ultrasound irradiation efficiently supported tosylation of alcohols (two steps) as well as the subsequent cross coupling reactions with the pertinent Grignard reagents (also two steps).

Keywords

• 5
• 9-Dimethylpentadecane
• 5
• 9-Dimethylhexadecane
• Ultrasound irradiation
• Pheromones
• Leucoptera coffeella.