Chemistry and Stereochemistry of Iridoids, XIII. — Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure Methyl (1R,2S,2″Z)‐(+)‐Jasmonate Starting from Catalpol
Enantiomerically pure methyl (1R,2S,2″Z)‐(+)‐jasmonate (2), which was recognized as a component of the fragrance of the jasmine flower oil, was synthesized starting from catalpol (3). 2 is easily epimerized to 1. Thus, it is necessary to use very mild conditions in the course of the synthesis and purification. These results raise the question whether 2 exists as a natural product in the flower of jasmine and 1 arises during the isolation.