New ochtodane syntheses from myrcene

The ochtodane skeleton is formed stereoselectively from myrcene via acid-catalyzed cyclization of the benzenesulfenyl chloride adduct and that epoxide in a biogenetic type fashion. Its application to the syntheses of two ochtodane-type monoterpenes, an aldehyde component of the boll weevil pheromone and a diol found in the red alga $\text{Ochtodes}$$\text{crockeri}$, is reported.