Application of olefin metathesis to organic synthesis. Syntheses of civetone and macrolides

Diethyl 9-octadecene-1,18-dioate was obtained in 87% yield based on 50% theoretical conversion by the olefin metathesis reaction catalyzed by WOCl₄-Cp₂TiMe₂. The Dieckmann condensation of this diester using potassium hydride afforded 2-ethoxycarbonylcyclo-9-heptadecenone, which was converted by hydrolysis and decarboxylation to cyclo-9-heptadecenone (civetone) as a mixture of cis and trans isomers (1.3 : 1) in 54% yield. Also 9-octadecen-18-olide was obtained in 17.9% by the metathesis of oleyl oleate.