Conversion of Campholene- to Necrodane-Type Monoterpenes. A short stereoselective synthesis of (−)-(R,R)-β-necrodol and its three stereoisomers

Application of a stereoselective Prins/retro-Prins rearrangement sequence from (?)-(R)-campholenyl acetate((?)- 4 ) opens a new access to the naturally occurring (?)-(R, R)-β-necrodol ((?)- 1 ) and its three stereoisomers with high optical purity.