Nucleophilic substitution of halopyridines by benzenethiolate anion via a radical chain mechanism

2-Halopyridines 1a-d reacted with sodium thiophenoxide in DMF at 80° to afford the ipso-substitution products. The following relative order of reactivity was observed: 2-iodopyridine ( 1a) ∼ 2-bromopyridine ( 1b) ≫ 2-chloropyridine ( 1c ) ∼ 2-fluoropyridine ( 1d ). The reaction of 1b is inhibited by the electron scavenger azobenzene and by the radical scavenger benzoqoquinone. Furthermore, results of the reaction of 3-bromopyridine ( 2b ) serve to rule out pyridyne mechanism. It is reasonable to suggest therefore that the reaction proceeds through the radical chain process containing one electron transfer, that is S_RN1.     

A synthesis of pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridines via pyridyne intermediates

A synthesis of pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridines from pyridyne intermediates is reported together with a study of the reactions of 2-methyl-2H-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridine (5) with oxidising and reducing agents.     

Base-catalyzed aryl halide isomerization enables the 4-selective substitution of 3-bromopyridines

The base-catalyzed isomerization of simple aryl halides is presented and utilized to achieve the 4-selective etherification, hydroxylation and amination of 3-bromopyridines. Mechanistic studies support isomerization of 3-bromopyridines to 4-bromopyridines proceeds via pyridyne intermediates and that 4-substitution selectivity is driven by a facile aromatic substitution reaction. Useful features of a tandem aryl halide isomerization/selective interception approach to aromatic functionalization are demonstrated. Example benefits include the use of readily available and stable 3-bromopyridines in place of less available and stable 4-halogenated congeners and the ability to converge mixtures of 3- and 5-bromopyridines to a single 4-substituted product.

The base-catalyzed isomerization of aryl halides is described and applied to the tandem isomerization/4-substitution of 3-bromopyridines as a strategy for achieving unconventional selectivity in nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions.     

Ru(II) Chloro-Bis(bipyridyl) Complexes with Substituted Pyridine Ligands: Interpretation of Their Electronic Absorption Spectra

A number of complexes were synthesized with the general formula cis-[Ru(Bipy)₂(L)(Cl)](BF₄), where Bipy is 2,2"-bipyridine, L is pyridyne (Py), 4-aminopyridine (4-NH₂py), 4-picoline (4-Mepy), nicotin-amide (3-CONH₂py), isonicotinamide (4-CONH₂py), 3- and 4-cyanopyridine (3-CNpy, 4-CNpy), 4,4"-bipyridine (4,4"-Bipy), trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (Bpe), 4,4"-azopyridine (Azpy), pyrazine (Pyz), imidazole (Imid), and NH₃. The semiempirical CINDO-CI method was used to calculate the energies and intensities of transitions in the electronic absorption spectra. The differences observed in the spectra of these compounds are mainly due to the positions of the charge-transfer transitions d (Ru) *(L). Depending on the positions of these transitions, ligands L can be divided into three groups: 1) transitions Ru L lie in the region of the first long-wavelength band d (Ru) *(Bipy) (L = Azpy, Pyz); 2) transitions Ru L lie between the first and second bands due to the charge transfer to Bipy (L = 3-CONH₂py, 4-CONH₂py, 4,4"-Bipy, Bpe, 4-CNpy), and 3) transitions Ru L lie in the region of the second band d (Ru) *(Bipy) (L = Py, 4-Mepy, 3-CNPy, 4-NH₂py, Imid).     

Pyridyne radical cations produced by photodissociation of Mg*+ (multifluoro-pyridine) complexes: a combined experimental and theoretical study

Gas phase complexes Mg*+ (2,6-difluoropyridine) (1) and Mg*+ (pentafluoropyridine) (2) have been subjected to photodissociation in the spectral range of approximately 230-440 nm. Except for the evaporative photofragment Mg*+ , the primary photoproduct for is C(5)H(3)N*(+), which is associated with the rupture of two C-F bonds by the photoexcited Mg*+ , forming very stable MgF(2). In contrast, the direct loss of MgF(+) is more favorable for due to fluorine substitution. Given enough energy, C(5)H(3)N*(+) can undergo decomposition to form C(4)H(2)*(+) and HCN. These results are very different from those for Mg*+ (2-fluoropyridine), highlighting the significance of the additional F at C6 of and . Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been employed to examine the geometries and energetics of the complexes as well as relevant reaction mechanisms. All of the complexes feature the direct attachment of Mg*+ to the N atom. The key intermediate is found to be FMg(+) (C(5)H(x)F(4-x)N) (x = 3 or 0), which can lead to the formation of MgF(+) directly or MgF(2) through activation of another C-F bond adjacent to N, producing the pyridyne radical cations. However, hydrogen-transfer prior to the rupture of the second C-F bond followed by ring-opening of C(5)H(3)N*(+) may result in the formation of chain forms of C(5)H(3)N*(+). The influence of the fluorine substitution on the competition of the two routes have been demonstrated.     

Site selectivity in the reactions of the hexanuclear platinum cluster [Pt6(mu-PtBu2)4(CO)6][CF3SO3]2

The previously reported hexanuclear cluster [Pt(6)(mu-PtBu(2))(4)(CO)(6)](2+)[Y](2) (1-Y(2): Y=CF(3)SO(3) (-)) contains a central Pt(4) tetrahedron bridged at each of the opposite edges by another platinum atom; in turn, four phosphido ligands bridge the four Pt-Pt bonds not involved in the tetrahedron, and, finally, one carbonyl ligand is terminally bonded to each metal centre. Interestingly, the two outer carbonyls are more easily substituted or attacked by nucleophiles than the inner four, which are bonded to the tetrahedron vertices. In fact, the reaction of 1-Y(2) with 1 equiv of [nBu(4)N]Cl or with an excess of halide salts gives the monochloride [Pt(6)(mu-PtBu(2))(4)(CO)(5)Cl](+)[Y], 2-Y, or the neutral dihalide derivatives [Pt(6)(mu-PtBu(2))(4)(CO)(4)X(2)] (3: X=Cl; 4: X=Br; 5: X=I). Moreover, the useful unsymmetrically substituted [Pt(6)(mu-PtBu(2))(4)(CO)(4)ICl] (6) was obtained by reacting equimolar amounts of 2 and [nBu(4)N]I, and the dicationic derivatives [Pt(6)(mu-PtBu(2))(4)(CO)(4)L(2)](2+)[Y](2) (7-Y(2): L=(13)CO; 8-Y(2): L=CNtBu; 9-Y(2): L=PMe(3)) were obtained by reaction of an excess of the ligand L with 1-Y(2). Weaker nitrogen ligands were introduced by dissolving the dichloride 3 in acetonitrile or pyridyne in the presence of TlPF(6) to afford [Pt(6)(mu-PtBu(2))(4) (CO)(4)L(2)](2+)[Z](2) (Z=PF(6) (-), 10-Z(2): L=MeCN; 11-Z(2): L=Py). The "apical" carbonyls in 1-Y(2) are also prone to nucleophilic addition (Nu(-): H(-), MeO(-)) affording the acyl derivatives [Pt(6)(mu-PtBu(2))(4)(CO)(4)(CONu)(2)] (12: Nu=H; 13: Nu=OMe). Complex 12 is slowly converted into the dihydride [Pt(6)(mu-PtBu(2))(4)(CO)(4)H(2)] (14), which was more cleanly prepared by reacting 3 with NaBH(4). In a unique case we observed a reaction involving also the inner carbonyls of complex 1, that is, in the reaction with a large excess of the isocyanides R-NC, which form the corresponding persubstituted derivatives [Pt(6)(mu-tPBu(2))(4)(CN-R)(6)](2+)[Y](2), (15-Y(2): R=tBu; 16-Y(2) (2-): R=-C(6)H(4)-4-C triple bond CH). All complexes were characterized by microanalysis, IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. The crystal and molecular structures of complexes 3, 5, 6 and 9-Y(2) are also reported. From the redox viewpoint, all complexes display two reversible one-electron reduction steps, the location of which depends both upon the electronic effects of the substituents, and the overall charge of the original complex.     

Stereoselective and Enantioselective Syntheses of the Four Stereoisomers of Muscol from (3RS)‐Muscone

Two trans stereoisomers of 3‐methylcyclopentadecanol (=muscol), (1R,3R)‐ 2 and (1S,3S)‐ 2 , were efficiently synthesized from (3RS)‐3‐methylcyclopentadecanone (=muscone; (3RS)‐ 1 ) by a highly stereoselective reduction (Scheme). L‐Selectride^® (=lithium tri(sec‐butyl)borohydride) was used, followed by the enantiomer resolution by lipase QLG (Alcaligenes sp.). The cis stereoisomers of muscol, (1S,3R)‐ 2 and (1R,3S)‐ 2 , were obtained by the Mitsunobu inversion of (1R,3R)‐ 2 and (1S,3S)‐ 2 , respectively (Scheme). The absolute configuration of (1R,3R)‐ 2 was determined by X‐ray crystal‐structure analysis of its 3‐nitrophthalic acid monoester, 2‐[(1R,3R)‐3‐methylcyclopentadecyl hydrogen benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylate ((1R,3R)‐ 3b ), and by oxidation of (1R,3R)‐ 2 to (3R)‐muscone.     

Synthese von optisch aktiven,natürlichen Carotinoiden und strukturell verwandten Naturprodukten. V. Synthese von (3R, 3′R)-, (3S, 3′S)- und (3R,3′S; meso)-Zeaxanthin durch asymmetrische Hydroborierung. Ein neuer Zugang zu Optisch aktiven Carotinoidbausteinen. Vorläufige Mitteilung

Synthesis of Optically Active Natural Carotenoids and Structurally Related Compounds. V. Synthesis of (3R, 3′R)-, (3S, 3′S)- and (3R,3′S; meso)-zeaxanthin by Asymmetric Hydroboration. A New Approach to Optically Active Carotenoid Building Units The synthesis of (3R, 3′R)-, (3S, 3′S)- and (3R,3′S; meso)-zeaxanthin ( 1 ), ( 19 ) and ( 21 ) is reported utilizing asymmetric hydroboration as the key reaction. Thus, safranol isopropenylmethylether ( 4 ) is hydroborated with (+)- and (?)-(IPC)₂BH to give the optically pure key intermediates 5 and 7 resp., which are transformed into the above-mentioned C₄₀-compounds.     

Enzyme-Mediated Preparation of the Single Enantiomers of the Olfactory Active Components of the Woody Odorant Timberol®

Enantiomerically pure (3S)- 3a and - 3b , the olfactory active forms of 1-(2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexyl)hexan- 3-ol, components of the commercial woody odorant Timberol ^®, are obtained by lipase-PS-mediated enantioselective acetylation of the allylic alcohols 6 and 7 and of the saturated alcohol 3 . These materials, as mixtures of diastereoisomers, provided (3R)-configured transformation products. However, whereas in the conversion of 6 and 7 there is no diastereoselection, 3 provided the acetate of (1′S,3R,6′R)- 3c much more rapidly than that of the diastereoisomer (1′R,3R,6′S)- 3d (Scheme 3). Inversion of the configuration at C(3) of the side chain of the olfactory inactive (3R)-materials obtained as acetates in the enzymic treatment of 6 , 7 , and 3 also provided, eventually, the desired olfactory active (3S)-products.     

Beitrag zur Analytik und Synthese von 3-Hydroxy-4-oxocarotinoiden

Contribution to the Analytical Separation and the Synthesis of 3-Hydroxy-4-oxocarotenoids (3RS,3′RS)-Astaxanthin (= 3,3′-dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4′-dione, 1:1-mixture of racemate and meso-form; 1 ) can be separated into its optical isomers (3S,3′S)- 1a , (3R,3′R)- 1b and meso-(3R,3′S)- 1c via the corresponding diastereomeric di-(?)-camphanates. Some aspects of the configurational stability of astaxanthin are discussed. - HPLC. analysis of the (?)-camphanates of 3-hydroxy-4-oxocarotenoids provides, in suitable cases and supported by spectroscopic data, an analytical method for the simultaneous determination of constitution and chirality.     

Beiträge zur Chemie des Phosphors. 134. Über die Triphosphane H(t-BuP)3H,Li(t-BuP)3Li und Me3Si(t-BuP)3SiMe3

Contributions to the Chemistry of Phosphorus. 134. On the Triphosphanes H(t-BuP)₃H' Li(t-BuP)₃Li, and Me₃Si(t-BuP)₃SiMe₃ The reaction of 1,3-diiodo-1,2,3-tri-tert-butyltriphosphane, I(t-BuP)₃I, with lithium aluminium hydride leads to 1,2,3-tri-tert-butyltriphosphane, H(t-BuP)₃H ( 1 ). 1 reacts with n-butyllithium to 1,3-dilithium-1,2,3-tri-tert-butyltriphosphide, Li(t-BuP)₃Li ( 2 ), which reacts further with trimethylchlorosilane yielding 1,3-bis(trimethylsilyl)-1,2,3-tri-tert-butyltriphosphane, Me₃Si(t-BuP)₃SiMe₃ ( 3 ). The triphosphanes 1, 2 and 3 could be isolated in a pure state. In solution 1 forms the threo, threo and the threo,erythro configurated diastereomers 1a and 1b in a ratio of about 2:1. 3 predominantly exists in form of the threo,erythro configurated diastereomer 3b by steric reasons.     

Synthesis and study of some new <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-substituted imide derivatives as potential antibacterial agents

Dibenzobarrelene (I) was used as a starting compound for the synthesis of some new 3a,4,9,9a-tetrahydro-4,9-[1,2]benzeno-1H-benzo[f]isoindole-1,3(2H)-diones, N-substituted with: 4-toluenesulfonyloxy, III; butoxy, IV; 3-bromopropoxy, V; 3-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)propoxy, VI; 3-chloro-3-oxopropyl, VIII; 3-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)-3-oxopropyl, IXa; 3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-3-oxopropyl, IXb; 3-oxo-3-(piperidin-1-yl)propyl, X; 3-morpholino-3-oxopropyl, XI; 3-phenylamino-3-oxopropyl, XII; 2-acetylaminoethyl, XIV; 2-aminoethyl, XV, and 2-acetoxyethyl, XVI. Newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, and mass spectral data. Selected products were tested for antimicrobial activity.     

Technische Verfahren zur Synthese von Carotinoiden und verwandten Verbindungen aus 6-Oxo-isophoron. IV. Neues Konzept für die Synthese von (3RS, 3′RS)-, (3S, 3′S)- und (3R, 3′R)-9,9′-dicis-7,8,7′,8′-Tetradehydroastaxanthin

Technical Procedures for the Synthesis of Carotenoids and Related Compounds from 6-Oxo-isophorone. IV. A Novel Concept for the Synthesis of (3RS, 3′RS)-, (3S, 3′S)- and (3R, 3′R)-9,9′-dicis-7,8,7′,8′-Tetradehydroastaxanthin Starting from readily available intermediates of the synthesis of astaxanthin, (3RS, 3′RS)-, (3R, 3′R)- and (3S, 3′S)-9,9′-di-cis-tetradehydroastaxanthin ( 1, 1a and 1b , resp.) were synthesized, 1 and 1b for the first time. Key features of this concept are: a) use of the unprotected, acetylenic phosphonium salts 8–12 , b) a two-step synthesis with 47% overall yield, and c) good chemical and optical purity of the end products.     

Calculation of j and jm symbols for arbitrary compact groups. III. Application to SO3 ⊃ T ⊃ C3 ⊃ C1

The methodology developed in earlier papers is used to compute the 6j symbols and 3jm factors that arise in the group chain SO₃ ? T ? C₁. The relevant character theory is given and the 2j and 3j symbols calculated. Selection rules are used to predict which j symbols or jm factors are necessarily zero, and then a set of 6j fundamentals computed for T. The complete set of primitive 6j symbols are then computed by application of the orthogonality and Racah backcoupling relations. Primitive 3jm factors are calculated for SO₃ ? T and T ? C₃ and, from these, all the 3jm factors for T ? C₃ and some of those for SO₃ ? T computed. A complete table of non-equivalent 6j symbols for T and 3jm factors for T ? C₃ is given, together with a table for SO₃ ? T of all 3jm factors with j ≤ 2.     

Stereochemistry of alkyl 3-substituted 4-halotetrahydro-2-oxo-3-furancarboxylates: 2—1H and 13C NMR spectra

The ¹H NMR parameters of methyl 3-substituted cis-4-halotetrahydro-2-oxo-3-furancarboxylates are reported, with assignments of the ring protons based on solvent-induced changes in the vicinal trans coupling constants, ³J(H-4, H-5). Preferred conformations, ce with a pseudo-equatorial halogen for the cis isomers and ta with a pseudo-axial halogen for the trans isomers, have been suggested on comparison of the magnitudes of J(trans) and J(gem) in both series. The ³J(¹³CH₃, H-4) values measured for methyl cis-4-bromotetrahydro-3-methyl-3-furancarboxylate, methyl trans-4-bromotetrahydro-3-methyl-3-furancarboxylate and trans-3,4-dibromodihydro-3-methyl-2(3H)-furanone have confirmed the stereochemical assignments.     

Linear relationships in α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds between the half-wave reduction potentials, the frontier orbital energies and the Hammett σp values

A linear relationship between the half-wave reduction potentials of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds R–CHCH–COX and the Hammett σ_p values of R and X is proposed: E_1/2=−1.341σ_p(X)σ_p(R)+1.123σ_p(X)+1.746σ_p(R)−1.694. A linear relationship is also observed for the LUMO's energy values, the absolute chemical hardness η, the chemical potential μ, the electrophilicity power ω, or the polarisation of the ethylenic double bond with the Hammett σ_p values of R and X.     

Eine Suche nach 3′-Epilutein ( = (3R,3′S,6′R)-β,ε-Carotin-3,3′-diol) und 3′, O-Didehydrolutein (=(3R, 6′R)-3-Hydroxy-β,ε-carotin-3′-on) in Eigelb,in Blüten von Caltha palustris und in Herbstblättern

Search for the Presence in Egg Yolk, in Flowers of Caltha palustris and in Autumn Leaves of 3′-Epilutein ( =(3R,3′S,6′R)-β,ε-Carotene-3,3′-diol) and 3′,O-Didehydrolutein ( =(3R,6′R)-3-Hydroxy-β,ε-carotene-3′-one) 3′.O-Didehydrolutein ( =(3R, 6′R)-3-hydroxy-β,ε-carotene-3′-one; 2) has been detected in egg yolk and in flowers of Caltha palustris. This is the first record for its occurrence in a plant. The compound shows a remarkable lability towards base; therefore, it may have been overlooked til now, because it is destroyed under the usual conditions of saponification of the carotenoid-esters. One of the many products formed from 2 with 1% KOH in methanol has been purified and identified as the diketone 3 ( =(3R)-3-hydroxy-4′, 12′-retro-β,β-carotene-3′,12′-dione). The identification of this transformation product from lutein might throw a new light on the metabolism of this important carotenoid in green plants. 3′-Epilutein ( =(3R,3′S,6′R)-β,ε-carotene-3,3′-diol; 1) was not detected in egg yolk, but is present besides lutein in flowers of C. palustris, thus confirming an earlier report of the occurrence of an isomeric (possibly epimeric) lutein (‘calthaxanthin’) in that plant [21]. We were not able to detect even traces of 1 or 2 in the carotenoid fraction from autumn leaves of Prunus avium (cherry), Parrotia persica, Acer montanum (maple) and yellow needles of Larix europaea (larch). α-Cryptoxanthin (4) , a very rare carotenoid, was isolated in considerable quantity for the first time from flowers of C. palustris.     

Carotenoids of Rhizobia. IV. Isolation and structure elucidation of the carotenoids of a mutant of Rhizobium lupini

The structures of the main carotenoid pigments from the mutant 1-207 of Rhizobium lupini were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques (UV./VIS., CD., 270 MHz ¹H-NMR., and MS.). Ten carotenoids were identified, namely β,β-carotene ( 1 ), β,β-caroten-4-one (echinenone, 2 ), β,β-carotene-4,4′-dione (canthaxanthin, 3 ), (3S)-3-hydroxy-β,β-caroten-4-one ((3S)-3-hydroxyechinenone, 4 ), (2R, 3R)-β,β-carotene-2,3-diol ( 5 ), (3S)-3-hydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4′-dione ((3S)-adonirubin, 6 ), (2R, 3S)-2,3-dihydroxy-β,β-caroten-4-one ( 7 ), (2R, 3S)-2,3-dihydroxy-β,β-caroten-4,4′-dione ( 8 ), (2R, 3S, 2′R, 3′R)-2,3,2′,3′-tetrahydroxy-β,β-caroten-4-one ( 9 ) and the corresponding (2R, 3S, 2′R, 3′S)-4,4′-dione ( 10 ). Structures 5, 7, 8 and 10 have not been reported before. From the observed carotenoid pattern it is concluded that in this mutant the oxidation to 4-oxo compounds is favoured compared to the hydroxylation at C(3) and C(2).     

Raspailynes,Novel Long-Chain Acetylenic Enol Ethers of Glycerol from the Marine Sponges Raspailia pumila and Raspailia ramosa

The sponges Raspailia pumila and ramosa (Demospongiae, Tetractinomorpha, Axinellida) from the North-East Atlantic are shown to contain a series of novel long-chain enol ethers of glycerol where the enol ether C?C bond is conjugated, in sequence, to both an acetylenic and an olefinic bond. Polar extracts give raspailynes hydroxylated at their (1Z5Z)-1,5-alkadien-3-ynyl chain, like raspailyne Al ( = (+)-(S)-3-[((1Z,5Z)-16-hydroxy-hexadeca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol; (+ 2 ) and isoraspailyne A ( = (+)-3-[((1Z,5Z)-17-hydroxyocta-deca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-[propanediol; (+)- 3 ). Less polar extracts give 3 different types of raspailynes not hydroxylated at the chain. Raspailynes of the first type have either the (1Z,5Z)-configuration in a linear chain such as raspailyne B2 (( = (?)-(s)-3-[((1Z,5Z)-trideca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol; (?)-4), raspailyne Bl ( = (?)-3-[((1Z,5Z)-tetradeca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol;(?)- 5 ), and raspailyne B ( = 3-[((1Z,5Z)-pentadeca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol; 6 ) or the (1Z,5Z)-pentadeca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol; 6 )or the (1Z,5Z)-configuration in a chain ending with an isopropyl group, like isoraspailyne Bl ( = 3-[((1Z,5Z)-12-methyltrideca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol; 7 ) and isoraspailyne B ( = 3-[((1Z,5Z)-13-methyltetradeca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol; 8 ). Raspailynes of the second type have the (1Z,5E)-configuration, like isoraspailyne Bla ( =3-[((1Z,5E)-tetradeca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol; 9 ) and isoraspailyne Ba ( = 3-[((1Z,5E)-13-methyltetradeca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol; 10 ). Raspailynes of the third type have the (1E,5Z)-configuration, like isoraspailyne Blb ( = 3-[((1E,5Z)-tetradeca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2,-propanediol; 11 ). The (S)-configuration for (+)- 1 ,((+)- 2 , and (?)- 4 is derived from chemical correlations.     

Citrus-Carotinoide. 2. Mitteilung. Synthese von (3R)-β-Citraurin, (3R)-β-Citraurol und (3R)-β-Citraurinin; Aufklärung der Konfiguration von Citrus-Carotinoiden

Citrus-Carotenoids. Synthesis of (3R)-β-Citraurin, (3R)-β-Citraurol and (3R)-β-Citraurinene; Determination of the Configuration of Citrus-Carotenoids (3R)-β-Citraurin, (3R)-β-citraurol and (3R)-β-citraurinene were prepared starting from (3R)-3-acetoxy-β-ionone. Comparison of the chiroptical data of β-citraurin from orange peels with those of the synthetic compound confirmed the 3R-configuration of the natural pigment.