Synthetic applications of the Baylis-Hillman reaction: Simple synthesis of [2E]-2-butyloct-2-enal and [2E]-2-tridecylheptadec-2-enal

Abstract

A simple synthesis of [2E]-2-butyloct-2-enal, an alarm pheromone component of the African weaver ant, Oecophylla longinoda, and [2E]-2-tridecylheptadec-2-enal, an unusual metabolite from the red alga, Laurencia species using Baylis-Hillman adducts has been described.