Provivi, Inc.

Choon Woo Lee

Keith Michael Wampler

David Rozzell

Methods for the preparation of alkenes including insect pheromones are described. The methods include homologation reactions employing reagents such as 1,3-diesters, epoxides, cyanoacetates, and cyanide salts for elongation of starting materials and intermediates by one or two carbon atoms. The alkenes include insect pheromones useful in a number of agricultural applications.

Synthesis of straight-chain lepidopteran pheromones through one- or two-carbon homologation of fatty alkenes

Methods for preparing conjugated dienes are described. An α,β-unsaturated E olefin intermediate may be prepared via cross-metathesis using a catalyst comprising a transition metal (e.g., ruthenium), a first carbene ligand (e.g., a substituted indenylidene) and an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand (e.g., an imidazolidinylidene). The catalyst further includes a phenylphosphine ligand, a tri(isopropoxy)phosphine ligand, a dimethylsulfoxide ligand, an acetonitrile ligand, or a pyridine ligand. Following the cross metathesis-step, the α,β-unsaturated aldehyde intermediate may be converted to the conjugated diene product via reaction with a phosphonium ylide. Products obtained via the methods of the disclosure include (7E,9Z)-dodeca-7,9-dien-1-yl acetate, a pheromone produced by(European grapevine moth), and other insect pheromones.

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Santa Monica, CA, United States of America

Choon Woo Lee