One-pot synthesis of (-)-Ambrox

Sci Rep. 2016 Sep 1:6:32650. doi: 10.1038/srep32650.

Abstract

(-)-Ambrox is recognised as the prototype of all ambergris odorants. Widely used in perfumery, (-)-Ambrox is an important ingredient due to its unique scent and excellent fixative function. An environmentally friendly and practical preparation of (-)-Ambrox is still unavailable at present although a lot of attention has been paid to this hot research topic for many years. A one-pot synthesis of (-)-Ambrox was studied starting from (-)-sclareol through oxidation with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a quaternary ammonium phosphomolybdate catalyst {[C5H5NC16H33] [H2PMo12O40]}, which gave the product a 20% overall yield.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ambergris / chemistry*
  • Ammonium Compounds / chemistry
  • Diterpenes / chemistry
  • Furans / chemical synthesis*
  • Furans / chemistry
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / chemistry
  • Molybdenum / chemistry
  • Naphthalenes / chemical synthesis*
  • Naphthalenes / chemistry
  • Odorants*
  • Phosphoric Acids / chemistry

Substances

  • Ambergris
  • Ammonium Compounds
  • Diterpenes
  • Furans
  • Naphthalenes
  • Phosphoric Acids
  • ambrox
  • Molybdenum
  • sclareol
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • phosphomolybdic acid