Abstract(±)‐Ambrox (10), the racemic form of (−)‐Ambrox®, the commercially most important ambergris odorant has been synthesized from a readily available bicyclic keto ester in five steps. The racemic ether retains the characteristic scent of fine‐quality ambergis, and the odor threshold of the racemate and the (−)‐enantiomer prepared from natural sclareol were found to be essentially identical.
Abstract(±)‐Ambrox (10), the racemic form of (−)‐Ambrox®, the commercially most important ambergris odorant has been synthesized from a readily available bicyclic keto ester in five steps. The racemic ether retains the characteristic scent of fine‐quality ambergis, and the odor threshold of the racemate and the (−)‐enantiomer prepared from natural sclareol were found to be essentially identical.