3,3-Dimethyl-5-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1-yl)-4-penten-2-ol is not found in nature. It is a clear, colorless liquid, d25
25
0.897–0.906, n20
D 1.480–1.484, with a powerful, diffusive sandalwood odor
and musk and cedarwood aspects. The compound is prepared starting from
α-campholenaldehyde, which is condensed with 2-butanone to give 3-methyl-
5-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-l-yl)-3-penten-2-one. Methylation using
phase-transfer conditions gives the dimethylpentenone, which is reduced with
NaBH4 to yield the title compound. It is used in fine fragrances.
