Process for production of (±)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyldecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furan-2(1h)-one

Abstract

The present invention relates to industrially useful production processes in which (±)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyldecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furan-2(1H)-ones and further (±)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyldo decahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furans are produced from raw materials which are readily available at low costs, through short steps and in a simple manner. The process for producing (±)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyldecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furan-2(1H)-ones represented by the general formula (III): which includes the steps of cyclizing a homofarnesylic acid amide represented by the general formula (I): wherein Rand Rare each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and wavy lines each represents a carbon-to-carbon single bond having a cis or trans structure,and/or a monocyclohomofarnesylic acid amide represented by the general formula (II): wherein Rand Rand wavy lines are the same as defined above; and dotted lines represent that a carbon-to-carbon double bond is present at any of positions represented by the dotted lines,in the presence of an acid agent; and subjecting the cyclized product to hydrolysis.